Cytogenetic technologists analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.
Count numbers of chromosomes and identify the structural abnormalities by viewing culture slides through microscopes, light microscopes, or photomicroscopes.
Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
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.
Create chromosome images using computer imaging systems.
Select appropriate culturing system or procedure based on specimen type and reason for referral.
Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
Summarize test results and report to appropriate authorities.
Describe chromosome, FISH and aCGH analysis results in International System of Cytogenetic Nomenclature (ISCN) language.
Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
Recognize and report abnormalities in the color, size, shape, composition, or pattern of cells.
Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.
Extract, measure, dilute as appropriate, label, and prepare DNA for array analysis.
Select or prepare specimens and media for cell cultures using aseptic techniques, knowledge of medium components, or cell nutritional requirements.
Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).
Apply prepared specimen and control to appropriate grid, run instrumentation, and produce analyzable results.
Select banding methods to permit identification of chromosome pairs.
Stain slides to make chromosomes visible for microscopy.
Input details of specimens into logs or computer systems.
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.
Develop, implement, and monitor quality control and quality assurance programs to ensure accurate and precise test performance and reports.
Determine optimal time sequences and methods for manual or robotic cell harvests.
Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.
Communicate to responsible parties unacceptable specimens and suggest remediation for future submissions.
Identify appropriate methods of specimen collection, preservation, or transport.
Archive case documentation and study materials as required by regulations and laws.
Supervise subordinate laboratory staff.
Maintain laboratory equipment such as photomicroscopes, inverted microscopes, and standard darkroom equipment.
Develop and implement training programs for trainees, medical students, resident physicians or post-doctoral fellows.
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 74% responded "Every day".
Work With Work Group or Team — 54% responded "Extremely important".
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 62% responded "Extremely important".
Exposed to Disease or Infections — 72% responded "Every day".
Spend Time Sitting — 54% responded "More than half the time".
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 56% responded "Continually or almost continually".
Consequence of Error — 54% responded "Extremely serious".
Telephone — 54% responded "Every day".
Electronic Mail — 60% responded "Every day".
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 47% responded "Very important results".
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 62% responded "Every day".
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 43% responded "More than half the time".
Contact With Others — 50% responded "Contact with others most of the time".
Frequency of Decision Making — 62% responded "Every day".
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 31% responded "High responsibility".
Freedom to Make Decisions — 47% responded "Some freedom".
Structured versus Unstructured Work — 54% responded "Some freedom".
Physical Proximity — 54% responded "Moderately close (at arm's length)".
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 31% responded "Limited responsibility".
Letters and Memos — 27% responded "Once a month or more but not every week".
Exposed to Contaminants — 31% responded "Every day".
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Chemistry
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
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.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Time Management
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Category Flexibility
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Flexibility of Closure
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Selective Attention
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Perceptual Speed
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Visual Color Discrimination
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Speech Recognition
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Visualization
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Arm-Hand Steadiness
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
