Cytogenetic Technologists Career, Salary and Skills
No national wage record is published for this occupation in the current BLS dataset.
Occupation description
Analyze chromosomes or chromosome segments found in biological specimens, such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, solid tumors, and blood to aid in the study, diagnosis, classification, or treatment of inherited or acquired genetic diseases. Conduct analyses through classical cytogenetic, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) or array comparative genome hybridization (aCGH) techniques.
O*NET code
29-2011.01
Job zone
4
Typical education
Not recorded
Experience
None
National salary and employment
Salary data is not available for this occupation in the current BLS dataset.
Top skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 4.00 | 5.00 |
| Critical Thinking | 3.88 | 4.00 |
| Active Listening | 3.75 | 3.88 |
| Speaking | 3.75 | 4.00 |
| Writing | 3.62 | 4.00 |
| Science | 3.50 | 3.88 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.38 | 3.50 |
| Monitoring | 3.25 | 3.62 |
| Active Learning | 3.25 | 3.38 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.25 | 3.25 |
Typical tasks
- Arrange and attach chromosomes in numbered pairs on karyotype charts, using standard genetics laboratory practices and nomenclature, to identify normal or abnormal chromosomes.
- Analyze chromosomes found in biological specimens to aid diagnoses and treatments for genetic diseases such as congenital disabilities, fertility problems, and hematological disorders.
- Prepare biological specimens such as amniotic fluids, bone marrow, tumors, chorionic villi, and blood, for chromosome examinations.
- Harvest cell cultures using substances such as mitotic arrestants, cell releasing agents, and cell fixatives.
- Examine chromosomes found in biological specimens to detect abnormalities.
- Prepare slides of cell cultures following standard procedures.
- Input details of specimen processing, analysis, and technical issues into logs or laboratory information systems (LIS).
- Evaluate appropriateness of received specimens for requested tests.
Technology
- Adobe Illustrator
- C++
- Cell Bioscience Automated Image Capture
- Digital karyotyping software
- Genetix CytoVision
- Genial Genetics iPassport QMS
- Genial Genetics Shire
- Geniel Genetics iGene
- Image analysis software
- Image capture software
- KARIO
- Lucia CGH
- Lucia Comet Assay
- Lucia FISH
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Career and skills data: O*NET 31.0 (onetcenter.org). Figures are published survey estimates, not real-time market data.