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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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