Cytogenetic Technologist - Full Time - Day Shift - Pittsburgh

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

Job summary

Allegheny Health Network is seeking a Cytogenetics Technician to independently culture and analyze specimens (blood, bone marrow, tissue) for inherited and acquired genetic diseases. You will use slide preparation, banding techniques, and metaphase finder software to identify abnormalities and assist in diagnosis.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor’s degree in an ASCP-eligible program with Cytogenetics experience, and may have tissue culture and FISH skills.

Qualifications

• 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 and chromosomes to identify numerical and structural aberrations using slides and metaphase finder.
• Harvests cells, prepares slides, and adjusts staining techniques for quality control.
• Captures and karyotypes cells on the metaphase finder computer.
• Performs quality control on reagents and maintains records.
• Manages specimen transportation, paperwork review, and communications with physicians.
• Keeps up-to-date on cytogenetic techniques through journals and meetings; adopts new methods when applicable.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Job description

Company :

Allegheny Health Network

Job Description :

GENERAL OVERVIEW:

Independently cultures and analyzes a wide variety of specimens, including blood, bone marrow, 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 and using the automated metaphase finder 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 metaphase finder 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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