Cytogenetic Technologist

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A cytogenetic technologist could...

Overview Listen to this section

I have black hair, you have blonde hair. I have blue eyes, you have brown eyes. These, and other characteristics, describe what we look like, how tall we are, and even what our personality is, and they are all controlled by our chromosomes. Chromosomes are packages within each of our cells that hold our genes. Our chromosomes also determine if we might inherit any genetic diseases or if birth defects are present. Extracting, testing, and examining the chromosomes from cells is the job of the cytogenetic technologist. Cytogenetic technologists work with physicians to help diagnose and treat diseases and understand human development. This is a career in which you know you will be helping someone every single day.

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Cytogenetic Technologist?

1. Active Listening: ? Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
2. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
3. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
4. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
5. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.

6. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
7. Active Learning: ? Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
8. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
9. Science: ? Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
10. Time Management: ? Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Cytogenetic Technologist might do:

• Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital birth defects, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
• Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
• Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
• Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.
• Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells.
• Communicate test results or technical information to patients, physicians, family members, or researchers.
• Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems.
• Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests.
• Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
• Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
• Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport.
• Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
• Select appropriate methods of preparation and storage of media to maintain potential of hydrogen (pH), sterility, or ability to support growth.
• Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs.
• Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements.
• Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy.
• Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.
• Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows.
• Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems.
• Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment.
• Supervise subordinate laboratory staff.