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What does a cytogenetic technologist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read

A cytogenetic technologist is a lab specialist who is responsible for preparing and examining chromosomes in the DNA of patients to learn about the relationship between genetics and health. To aid in diagnosis and treatment plans, cytogenetic technologists must use microscopes to examine and analyze normal and abnormal chromosomes. They work closely with doctors to help diagnose and treat genetic diseases such as congenital disorders, blood disorders, and birth defects. Cytogenetic technologists can also work in different establishments such as hospitals, government facilities, and private labs.

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Cytogenetic technologist responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real cytogenetic technologist resumes:

  • Accomplish at using/troubleshooting with programs such as ASI for image capture/analysis and karyotyping.
  • Help maintain boats cages and feed barge.
  • Follow FDA guideline to report results and document maintenance.
  • Operate boats safely to and from work sites on ocean.
  • Organize data and records on all fin clipping traceability back to the hatchery.
  • Assist in the training of genetics technology students, genetics fellows and postdoctorate students.
  • Amplify specific DNA sequences in a wide variety of intestinal bacterial species via RT-PCR.
  • Clean, process, grow, maintain & prepare cells for DNA extraction & chromosomal analysis.
  • Perform clinical tests on several groups of components to diagnose metabolic disorders by GC-MS, HPLC-MS/MS and ion-exchange chromatography.
  • Stain, analyze, image, and karyotype oncology genetics cases.Assist in the training of genetics technology students and genetic fellows.
  • Perform DNA extractions and quantification.
  • Develop and validate GC-MS method for Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome and sterol metabolic disorders.
  • Research and co-authore case studies involving several genetics patients with novel chromosomal rearrangements.
  • Perform a qualitative multiplex assay that provides specific genotyping information and results for HPV.
  • Process openarray analysis of SNP genotyping arrays on the QunatStudio12 flex instrument using the TaqMan Genotying software.

Cytogenetic technologist skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Cytogenetic Technologists are proficient in Harvest, Patients, and ASCP.

We break down the percentage of Cytogenetic Technologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Harvest, 11%

    Maintained competencies for harvest procedure on all technical personnel.

  • Patients, 11%

    Conducted analysis of genetic testing to address oncology, perinatal, and constitutional diagnosis of patients within the clinical setting.

  • ASCP, 9%

    Performed sterile laboratory practices while upholding ASCP and CAP regulations.

  • Test Results, 7%

    Conducted complex diagnostic laboratory procedures, analyzed laboratory test results and facilitated data to diagnose rare and unusual medical conditions.

  • Laboratory Equipment, 5%

    Verify that laboratory equipment and machinery are running at specifications laid out in Standard Operated Procedures.

  • Microscopic Analysis, 5%

    Processed specimens for analysis of human chromosomes; microscopic analysis of human chromosomes for the diagnosis of genetic diseases.

"harvest," "patients," and "ascp" are among the most common skills that cytogenetic technologists use at work. You can find even more cytogenetic technologist responsibilities below, including:

Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a cytogenetic technologist to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "biological technicians need to conduct scientific experiments and analyses with accuracy and precision." Additionally, a cytogenetic technologist resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "analyzed chromosome spreads from blood and bone marrow, amniotic fluids, solid tissue, and cvs specimens. "

Technical skills. Many cytogenetic technologist duties rely on technical skills. "biological technicians need to set up and operate sophisticated equipment and instruments," so a cytogenetic technologist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways cytogenetic technologist responsibilities rely on technical skills: "prepared slides and carried out staining procedures for routine and specialized analyses of leukemia and lymphoma.analytical and technical review experience"

See the full list of cytogenetic technologist skills

The three companies that hire the most cytogenetic technologists are:

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Compare different cytogenetic technologists

Cytogenetic technologist vs. Laboratory associate

A laboratory associate's responsibilities revolve around preparing test samples and subjecting them into different examination processes for scientific purposes. Aside from performing extensive analysis, they are also responsible for recording data, reviewing findings, collaborating with other scientists, and producing various reports and presentations. A laboratory associate can work for an institution or private company; they may also choose to contribute their studies in different publications and research activities. Furthermore, as a laboratory practitioner, it is essential to adhere to all the laboratory safety policies and regulations, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment.

The annual salary of laboratory associates is $11,486 lower than the average salary of cytogenetic technologists.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between cytogenetic technologists and laboratory associates are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like patients, test results, and clia.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between cytogenetic technologists and laboratory associate. For instance, cytogenetic technologist responsibilities require skills such as "harvest," "ascp," "laboratory equipment," and "microscopic analysis." Whereas a laboratory associate is skilled in "phlebotomy," "chemistry," "customer service," and "patient care." This is part of what separates the two careers.

The education levels that laboratory associates earn slightly differ from cytogenetic technologists. In particular, laboratory associates are 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a cytogenetic technologist. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Cytogenetic technologist vs. Laboratory aide

A laboratory aide is primarily responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and order in laboratories, all while performing support tasks for scientists. Their duties revolve around arranging specimens and samples, transporting materials from one laboratory to another, preparing apparatuses and machines, and storing them accordingly. A laboratory aide may also run errands, produce progress reports, sanitize areas and instruments, and properly dispose of chemicals and other hazardous waste. Furthermore, it is crucial to implement the laboratory's safety policies and regulations, ensuring a safe and healthy laboratory environment for everyone.

On average, laboratory aides earn a $26,159 lower salary than cytogenetic technologists a year.A few skills overlap for cytogenetic technologists and laboratory aides. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "patients," "test results," and "specimen handling. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real cytogenetic technologist resumes. While cytogenetic technologist responsibilities can utilize skills like "harvest," "ascp," "laboratory equipment," and "microscopic analysis," laboratory aides use skills like "lab equipment," "phlebotomy," "cleanliness," and "data entry."

Average education levels between the two professions vary. Laboratory aides tend to reach similar levels of education than cytogenetic technologists. In fact, they're 4.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Cytogenetic technologist vs. Laboratory assistant/phlebotomist

A laboratory assistant/phlebotomist is responsible for drawing blood samples and other laboratory tests, labeling specimens, and performing administrative and clerical duties as needed. Laboratory assistants/phlebotomists should ensure that the laboratory tools and equipment are stored and secured in a safe area, as well as regularly sterilizing testing tools to avoid contamination upon the use of the patients. They must be highly knowledgeable of the medical procedures and processes, responding to the patients' inquiries and concerns, and providing a timely update of medical results.

An average laboratory assistant/phlebotomist eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of cytogenetic technologists. The difference in salaries amounts to laboratory assistant/phlebotomists earning a $19,689 lower average salary than cytogenetic technologists.cytogenetic technologists and laboratory assistant/phlebotomists both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "patients," "test results," and "laboratory equipment," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, cytogenetic technologists are more likely to have skills like "harvest," "ascp," "microscopic analysis," and "tissue culture." But a laboratory assistant/phlebotomist is more likely to have skills like "blood specimens," "customer service," "phlebotomy procedures," and "specimen collection."

Laboratory assistant/phlebotomists typically earn lower educational levels compared to cytogenetic technologists. Specifically, they're 6.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.9% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Cytogenetic technologist vs. Laboratory coordinator

A laboratory coordinator is responsible for supporting laboratory examinations and experiments, collecting laboratory samples, and ensuring the efficiency and performance of laboratory tools and equipment. Laboratory coordinators maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the laboratory facility at all times to avoid contaminations and hazards that may affect laboratory results and accuracy of examinations. They also perform scientific processes under the supervision of a scientist or laboratory technicians and keep an organized report of findings in the database.

Laboratory coordinators tend to earn a lower pay than cytogenetic technologists by an average of $1,552 per year.While their salaries may vary, cytogenetic technologists and laboratory coordinators both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "patients," "test results," and "clia. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between cytogenetic technologists and laboratory coordinators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a cytogenetic technologist might have more use for skills like "harvest," "ascp," "laboratory equipment," and "microscopic analysis." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of laboratory coordinators require skills like "lab equipment," "patient care," "chemistry," and "laboratory safety. "

In general, laboratory coordinators hold higher degree levels compared to cytogenetic technologists. Laboratory coordinators are 7.3% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.7% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of cytogenetic technologist

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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