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”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

Digital karyotyping software
Image analysis software
Geniel Genetics iGene
Lucia CGH
Lucia Comet Assay
Image capture software
Lucia MFISH
Genial Genetics Shire
KARIO
Lucia FISH
MetaSystems Isis Color Karyotyping
Lucia Metaphase Finder
Cell Bioscience Automated Image Capture
Genetix CytoVision
Lucia Karyo
Genial Genetics iPassport QMS
Microsoft Excel