Will “Cytogenetic Technologists” 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

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Cytogenetic Technologists”

Develop, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure accurate and precise test performance and reports.
Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems.
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.
Extract, measure, dilute as appropriate, label, and prepare DNA for array analysis.
Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.
Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests.
Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements.
Archive case documentation and study materials as required by regulations and laws.
Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems.
Communicate to responsible parties unacceptable specimens and suggest remediation for future submissions.
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.
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.
Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs.
Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows.
Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells.
Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).
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.
Describe chromosome, FISH and aCGH analysis results in Internations System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) language.
Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.
Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy.
Supervise subordinate laboratory staff.
Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport.

Related Technology & Tools

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

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