Cytogenetics Technologist

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:
For West Virginia Labs:
1. Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology/Medical (Clinical) Laboratory Science OR Bachelor of Science in a physical, chemical or biological science.
2. WV Licensure as a Trainee within 90 days of hire.
3. WV Licensure as a Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) after one year of training.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:
1.Certification as a Technologist in Cytogenetics or Medical Laboratory Science by the American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) or American Medical Technologists (AMT)

CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Receives samples following appropriate lab procedures while maintaining accurate and concise written and electronic records within the LIS, EMR and other data management systems. Coordinates specific tasks with other laboratory personnel as needed.

2. Retrieves samples to process for analysis while ensuring sample integrity throughout the process. Initiates cultures using sterile techniques following procedures to ensure optimal growth of samples. Determines the number of cultures to be set up based on the size of the sample and clinical diagnosis.
3. Operates automated karyotyping equipment and conducts FISH processing and analysis.
4. Image captures appropriate number of cells on each case on the Department's computerized imaging system. Prepares karyograms for each case on the imaging system and analyzes them for the presence of chromosomal defects.
5. Cleans and maintains supplies and equipment. Manages quality control of culture apparatus including monitoring temperature and carbon dioxide levels in incubators to ensure growth of cultures, disinfection of incubators and maintenance of hoods.
6. Prepares slides from harvested cells. Performs appropriate banding and staining procedures to ensure optimal visibility of chromosome structure.
7. Performs various additional testing being able to determine when specialized techniques are necessary based on initial chromosome analysis.
8. Performs techniques necessary to acquire preliminary cytogenetic diagnosis on STAT newborns and communicates preliminary results according to lab procedure.Retrieves and sets up specimens as required. Performs specimen harvesting, slide making, and/or banding as needed.

9. Retrieves and sets up specimens as required. Performs specimen harvesting, slide making, and/or banding as needed.
10. Analyzes metaphase chromosomes on the microscope or using image analysis system. Counts the number of chromosomes and analyzes the structure of each chromosome to determine if a genetic defect is present. Identifies the best cells for documentation and rules out chromosomal mosaicism.
11. Assists department supervisor with QA/QI monitoring and data collection including such activities as new test development and compiling data for validation studies.
12. Performs subcultures when necessary and determines the number of subcultures to be initiated from original cultures based on the amount of cell growth present. Monitors growth of subcultures and determines when cultures are ready for harvest. Harvests primary and subcultures when ready.

13. Adjusts harvesting procedures daily based on environmental conditions and the appearance of other recent harvests.
14. Responsible for following the mandatory reporting procedures particularly to supervisory personnel for any incident or serious event that did affect or potentially could have affected the clinical care of any patient.
15. Changes media in cultures according to established schedules. Chooses correct culture media and places in the appropriate incubator.
16. Maintains records of culture initiation, growth, manipulation, and harvests on all specimens.
17. Monitors the growth of specimens and determines when primary cultures should be harvested. Determines when subcultures should be performed on non-primary cultures.
18. Assists with the teaching and training of new hires, students and various hospital professionals as well as stays up to date on research and development in the field of cytogenetics.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Visual acuity must not be impaired. Color differentiation is required.
2. Able to stand and/or sit for long periods of time
3. Manual dexterity for instrument operation including microscope

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1. Work around strong or unpleasant odors.
2. May be exposed to agents which may cause serious disease.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

1. Able to communicate verbally, written, and electronically with healthcare personnel.
2. Able to follow complex procedures with minimal guidance.
3. Able to use numerous types of laboratory equipment.

Additional Job Description:

The Cytogenetics Technologist performs all phases of sample accessioning, set up, harvesting, slide preparation, staining, microscopic analysis, G-banded karyotyping and performs FISH set up and analysis. We are a full-service lab providing pre- and post-natal testing for both congenital and oncology specimen. Works under the direction of Cytogenetics Lab Supervisor. A Bachelor's of science degree is required. Experience preferred, but not required.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

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WVU Medicine is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. We value diversity among our workforce and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, gender identity and expression, socioeconomic status, language, national origin, religious affiliation, spiritual practice, age, mental and physical ability/disability or Veteran status.