Cytogenetic Technologist

highmarkhealth; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Allegheny Health Network is seeking a Cytogenetics professional to independently culture and analyze a wide variety of specimens, including amniotic fluid, blood, bone marrow, CVS, and tissue, for genetic disease diagnosis and management.

The role involves preparing slides, staining, karyotyping, quality control, and collaboration with physicians and senior staff. Prior cytogenetics experience is essential and tissue culture/FISH experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an ASCP eligible program.
• Experience in Cytogenetics.
• Preferred: experience in tissue culture, FISH, and analysis of all tissue types.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes cells and chromosome spreads for numerical and structural aberrations.
• Harvests cells and prepares slides, staining with banding techniques.
• Captures and karyotypes cells on the Cytovision computer.
• Performs quality control on new reagent and chemical lot numbers.
• Arranges for transportation of specimens, reviews paperwork, and handles billing information.
• Keeps up with cytogenetic principles and incorporates new techniques when applicable.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Cytogenetics

Anatomy lab basics

Education

Bachelor's Degree in ASCP eligible program

Tools

FISH

Tissue culture

Job description

Company : Allegheny Health Network Job Description :

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

Independently cultures and analyzes a wide variety of specimens, including amniotic fluid, blood, bone marrow, CVS, and tissue, for the purpose of providing valuable clinical information for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of inherited and acquired genetic diseases.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyzes the appropriate number of cells by meticulously scanning slides and evaluating individual chromosome spreads under the microscope for numerical and structural aberrations. Recognizes any abnormalities, calling them to the attention of the Senior Tech who determines whether additional cells should be analyzed, or if additional banding methods. (50%)
• Harvests cells and prepares slides, adjusting techniques to compensate for biological variability and environmental conditions. Stains slides with appropriate banding techniques, monitors slide and staining quality and makes adjustments as necessary. (20%)
• Captures and karyotypes appropriate cells on the Cytovision computer. (15%)
• Performs quality control on new reagent and chemical lot numbers, keeping appropriate records. (5%)
• Arranges for transportation of specimens, receives specimens, reviews paperwork information for completeness and testing necessity, contacts physicians for additional information, completes billing information and responds to physician inquiries.(5%)
• Increases understanding of cytogenetic principles and new developments through journals, meetings and presentations and incorporates new techniques into daily use when applicable. (5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum

• Bachelor's Degree in ASCP eligible program
• Experience in Cytogenetics

Preferred

• Experience in tissue culture, FISH, and analysis of all tissue types

Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.

Compliance Requirement : This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.

As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times. In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company's Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy.

Furthermore, it is every employee's responsibility to comply with the company's Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.

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