Cytogenetic Technologist

Highmark Health; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Highmark Health, based in Pittsburgh, seeks a Cytogenetic Technologist to analyze specimens for inherited and acquired genetic diseases. You will perform cell preparations, staining, and detailed chromosome analysis to support diagnostic decisions.

The role involves quality control, reporting, and collaboration with clinicians while adhering to privacy and security policies and industry standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in ASCP eligible program.
• Experience in Cytogenetics.
• Preferred Experience in tissue culture, FISH, and analysis of all tissue types.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes cells by scanning slides and evaluating chromosome spreads for numerical/structural aberrations.
• Harvests cells, prepares slides, stains and ensures quality of staining.
• Captures and karyotypes cells using Cytovision software.
• Performs quality control on reagents and records results.
• Coordinates transport and receipt of specimens, completes billing information and communicates with physicians.
• Keeps up with cytogenetic principles and new developments; adopts new techniques as applicable.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Cytogenetics

Karyotyping

Education

Bachelor's degree in ASCP eligible program

Tools

Cytovision

Tissue culture

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.

Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on any category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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California Consumer Privacy Act Employees, Contractors, and Applicants Notice Highmark Health is a national, blended health organization that includes one of America’s largest Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers and a growing regional hospital and physician network. Based in Pittsburgh, Pa., Highmark Health’s 35,000 employees serve millions of customers nationwide through the nonprofit organization’s affiliated businesses, which include Highmark Inc., Allegheny Health Network, HM Insurance Group, United Concordia Dental, HM Health Solutions and HM Home & Community Services. Highmark Health’s businesses proudly serve a broad spectrum of health-related needs including health insurance, health care delivery, population health management, dental solutions, reinsurance solutions, and innovative, technology solutions.