Cytogenetic/FISH Technologist

Under general supervision, performs culture initiation, harvest, metaphase and interphase slide prep, and G-banding of bone marrow and peripheral blood specimens, performs computer-assisted and manual analysis of chromosomes for the detection of abnormalities; performs FISH processing and analysis using automated software; operates and maintains laboratory equipment needed to perform daily duties; performs daily QA/QC tasks.

• Practices universal precautions measures for the handling of body fluids.

• Prepares reagents, stains, and media in accordance with laboratory protocol.

• Observes principles of sterile technique in carrying out daily responsibilities including the proper cleaning and decontamination of work surfaces, equipment, and instruments.

• Maintains all company equipment in a safe and working order.

• Monitors daily QC readings of equipment.

• Performs culture initiation, harvesting, slide preparation, and G-banding.

• Assists in maintaining an adequate stock of commonly used supplies.

• Keeps work area and records in a neat and orderly manner.

• Direct harvesting of bone marrow and peripheral blood hematologic specimens.

• Slide preparation of interphase nuclei.

• Applying probe, denaturing and hybridizing of FISH slides.

• Post washing FISH slides.

• Required to analyze at least 8 (1/2) Cytogenetic cases within an 8 hr work day.

• Performs analysis with 98% accuracy.

• Must be able to load and unload G-banded slides and capture metaphases using the ASI Genesis automated capturing system.

• Analyzes heme suspension probe sets (including but not limited to BCR/ABL, AML panel, CLL panel, MDS panel, and MM panel) using FISH automated imaging system.

• Analyzes heme tissue FISH (HER2) using FISH automated imaging system.

• Ability to analyze both heme suspension and tissues manually using fluorescent microscope.

• Loads and unloads slides on the automated FISH scanner for capturing of interphase cells.

• Complies with quality control policies and procedures to ensure that all aspects of laboratory operations are performed in accordance with accepted standards and applicable laws for clinical laboratories.

• Ensures proper equipment maintenance, orders and receives reagents, validates new lots/shipments of probes, ensures proper documentation on forms.

• Identifies ways in which laboratory procedures and activities can be modified to improve upon current methodologies.

• Participates in the development and/or maintenance of SOPs and master forms as required.

• Participates in validations.

• Participates in CAP proficiency surveys twice a year.

• Attends in-services, reads professional literature, and participates in educational programs and activities to remain abreast of developments in the field of cytogenetics.

• Identifies ways in which laboratory procedures and activities can be modified to improve upon current methodologies.

• Assists in the training of new employees and trainees in accordance with department protocols and company guidelines.

• Maintains and always ensures the confidentiality of all patient and employee information.

• Comply with all Federal and State laws and regulations pertaining to patient care, patient rights, safety, billing, human resources and collections. Adhere to all Company and departmental policies and procedures, including IT policies and procedures and Disaster Recovery Plan.

• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Molecular or related field.

• Minimum 1 year of related experience in a clinical setting is required.

• CG(ASCP) certification required.

• State of Florida clinical laboratory technologist license or clinical laboratory supervisor license in the area pertinent to the testing being performed.

• Valid state Driver’s License for travel to satellite offices and offsite meetings. Compliance with the company Driver Safety Operations and Motor Vehicle Records Check Policy is required.

• Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook required.

Travel: 0%

Remote: No

Standard Work Days/Hours: Several days/shifts available.

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