Specialty Cytogenetic Technologist

Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC is hiring a casual (per diem) Specialty Cytogenetic Tech to support the UPMC Cytogenetic Laboratory (UCL)! This role will allow for a flexible work schedule as well as the opportunity to work remotely! The UCL is a state-of-the-art facility where you will have the opportunity to make an impact on life-changing medicine. Using both traditional cytogenetic techniques as well as molecular cytogenetics by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and genome-wide array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), the UCL performs chromosome studies on a wide variety of specimens, giving our patients the best opportunity to get the answers they need. Responsibilities: Image captures appropriate number of cells on each case on the Department's computerized imaging system. Prepares karyograms for each case on the imaging system and analyzes them for the presence of chromosomal defects. Cleans and maintains supplies and equipment. Monitors temperature and carbon dioxide levels in incubators to ensure growth of cultures. Assists with the teaching and training of students and various hospital professionals. Prepares slides from harvested cells. Performs appropriate banding and staining procedures to ensure optimal visibility of chromosome structure. Performs various additional testing being able to determine when specialized techniques are necessary based on initial chromosome analysis. Participates in a rotating weekend and holiday on-call schedule and carries a pager. Performs techniques necessary to acquire preliminary cytogenetic diagnosis on STAT newborns. Calls physician or nurse practitioner with preliminary results. Retrieves and sets up specimens as required. Performs specimen harvesting, slide making, and/or banding as needed when on-call. Analyzes metaphase chromosomes on the microscope or using image analysis system. Counts the number of chromosomes and analyzes the structure of each chromosome to determine if a genetic defect is present. Assists Lead Technologists with QA/QI monitoring and data collection. Retrieves samples to process for analysis. Initiates cultures using sterile techniques following procedures to ensure optimal growth of samples. Determines number of cultures to be set up based on size of sample and clinical diagnosis. Performs subcultures when necessary and determines number of subcultures to be initiated from original cultures based on amount of cell growth present. Monitors growth of subcultures and determines when cultures are ready for harvest. Harvests primary and subcultures when ready. Adjusts harvesting procedures daily based on environmental conditions and appearance of other recent harvests. Responsible for following the mandatory reporting procedures for any incident or serious event that did affect or potentially could have affected the clinical care of any patient. Changes media in cultures according to established schedules. Chooses correct culture media and places in appropriate incubator. Participates in the organization and direction of ancillary work performed by support and service personnel and volunteers. Maintains records of culture initiation, growth, manipulation, and harvests on all specimens. Monitors growth of specimens and determines when primary cultures should be harvested. Determines when subcultures should be performed on non-primary cultures. Bachelor degree in Medical Technology, Biology or Chemistry. Minimum of three years clinical cytogenetics lab experience to (a) acquire a professional level of knowledge in cytogenetics, (b) acquire expertise in the operation of equipment and the performance of clinical diagnostic testing procedures. Must be certified as a Technologist in Cytogenetics by examination through the Board of Certification of the American Society for Clinical Pathologists [CG(ASCP)]. Must maintain certification through continuing education credits. Successful demonstration of the completion of the competencies required by the department/unit. Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances: CG(ASCP) certification required and must maintain certification. American Society for Clinical Pathology Act 34 UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran