Will “Technical Specialist, Cytogenetics” 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 “Technical Specialist, Cytogenetics”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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