Will “Cytologist” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

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Job Description

Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, or treatment of genetic diseases.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 29-2011.01

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Cytogenetic Technologists”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Cytologist”

Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital birth defects, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells.
Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.
Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment.
Supervise subordinate laboratory staff.
Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy.
Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.
Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.
Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport.
Describe chromosome, FISH and aCGH analysis results in Internations System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) language.
Archive case documentation and study materials as required by regulations and laws.
Develop, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure accurate and precise test performance and reports.
Select appropriate methods of preparation and storage of media to maintain potential of hydrogen (pH), sterility, or ability to support growth.
Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests.
Communicate to responsible parties unacceptable specimens and suggest remediation for future submissions.
Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems.
Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.
Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements.
Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems.
Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers.
Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).
Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs.
Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows.
Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
Extract, measure, dilute as appropriate, label, and prepare DNA for array analysis.
Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.

Related Technology & Tools

Slide cassettes
Hot air sterilizers
Laboratory freezers
Binocular compound microscopes
Floor model drying chambers
Mercury vapor lamps
Test tube racks
Cell culture tubes
Microscope filters
Vortex mixers
1 ml pipettes
Automated imaging systems
Robotic harvesters
Phase contrast microscopes
Benchtop drying chambers
Microscope slides
25 ml pipettes
Pipette aids
Heated magnetic stirrers
Inverted compound microscopes
2 ml cryovials
Automatic slide loading systems
Biological containment hoods
Denaturation/hybridization systems
Desktop computers
Counting chambers
Ultrasonic sterilization units
Slide sorters
Glass flasks
Water baths
Water deionizers
pH meters
Flat bottom microtiter plates
Cell harvesters
Digital image printers
Reference thermometers
Microarray scanners
Interferometers
Media filtration systems
Incubators
Laboratory refrigerators
Tachometers
Computerized karotype equipment
Fluorescent microscopes
Stereo microscopes
4 ml cryovials
Metaphase finding system software
Uncooled charge-coupled device cameras
35m petri dishes
Photomicroscopes
Biological safety cabinets
Fluorescent in situ hybridization FISH automation instruments
Digital cameras
Liquid nitrogen containers
Glass water distillers
Bench-top autoclaves
Masks
Hybridization ovens
10 ml pipettes
Steam autoclaves
Microscope camera adapters
Safety gloves
Low speed refrigerated centrifuges
Laboratory microwave ovens

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Geniel Genetics iGene
Microsoft Excel
Digital karyotyping software
Image capture software
KARIO
Genial Genetics iPassport QMS
Lucia MFISH
Lucia CGH
Lucia Metaphase Finder
Lucia FISH
Genial Genetics Shire
MetaSystems Isis Color Karyotyping
Image analysis software
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