Cytogenetic/FISH Technologist

Position Summary

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.

Key Performance Areas

KPA 1 – Performs Cytogenetic and FISH lab processes of bone marrow and peripheral blood specimens

• 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.

KPA 2 – Analyzes G-banded metaphase spreads using ASI automated imaging system; Performs automated FISH analysis using MetaSystems software

• 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.

KPA 3 – Quality Control and Quality Assurance

• 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.
• 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.

Position Qualifications/Requirements

Education

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

Previous Experience

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

Certifications/Licenses

• 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.

Core Capabilities

• Analysis & Critical Thinking: Critical thinking skills including solid problem solving, analysis, decision-making, planning, time management and organizational skills. Must be detailed oriented with the ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Interpersonal Effectiveness: Developed interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, diplomacy, tact, conflict management, delegation skills, and diversity awareness. Ability to work effectively with sensitive and confidential material and sometimes emotionally charged matters.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication skills (oral, written, presentation), is an active listener, and effectively provides balanced feedback.
• Customer Service & Organizational Awareness: Strong customer focus. Ability to build an engaging culture of quality, performance effectiveness and operational excellence through best practices, strong business and political acumen, collaboration and partnerships, as well as a positive employee, physician and community relations.
• Self-Management: Effectively manages own time, conflicting priorities, self, stress, and professional development. Self-motivated and self-starter with ability work independently with limited supervision. Ability to work remotely effectively as required.
• Must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced, multi-site environment with demonstrated ability to juggle competing priorities and demands from a variety of stakeholders and sites.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook required.