Cytogenetic Technologist

Highmark Health • Pittsburgh, PA

12d

About The Position

Independently cultures and analyzes a wide variety of specimens, including amniotic fluid, blood, bone marrow, CVS, and tissue, to provide clinical information used in diagnosing, treating, and managing inherited and acquired genetic diseases. The position includes analyzing chromosome spreads for numerical and structural aberrations; harvesting cells and preparing, staining, and quality-checking slides; capturing and karyotyping cells using Cytovision; performing quality control on reagents and chemicals; and coordinating specimen handling and related administrative tasks. The technologist is expected to build understanding of cytogenetic principles and developments and apply new techniques when appropriate. Other duties may be assigned or required. Employees must follow applicable ethical, legal, privacy, information-security, and company conduct requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an ASCP-eligible program.
• Experience in cytogenetics.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Meticulously scan slides and evaluate individual chromosome spreads under a microscope for numerical and structural aberrations; identify abnormalities and bring them to the Senior Tech’s attention for decisions about additional cell analysis or banding methods.
• Harvest cells and prepare slides, adjusting techniques for biological variability and environmental conditions.
• Stain slides using appropriate banding techniques, monitor slide and staining quality, and make adjustments as necessary.
• Capture and karyotype appropriate cells using the Cytovision computer.
• Perform quality control on new reagent and chemical lot numbers and maintain appropriate records.
• Arrange transportation of specimens, receive specimens, review paperwork for completeness and testing necessity, contact physicians for additional information, complete billing information, and respond to physician inquiries.
• Increase understanding of cytogenetic principles and new developments through journals, meetings, and presentations, and incorporate new techniques into daily use when applicable.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.
• Comply with the company’s code of business conduct, applicable laws and policies, HIPAA privacy requirements, and information-security guidelines.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time