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”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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