Will “Cytogenetic Technologists” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

Unknown Chance of Automation

Sadly, the research paper did not provide any information about this occupation. Maybe have a look at our directory?

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”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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