Cytogenetic Technician

The Cytogenetics Laboratory at University of Minnesota Medical Center East Bank is looking for a fulltimeCytogenetic Technicianworking 80 hours per 2 week pay period, Monday-Friday days with rotatingweekends and holidays.

The Cytogenetics Laboratory provides quality patient care by providing results for Cancer, Constitutional and Prenatal Studies. The laboratory utilizes highly specialized testing including G-banding, Comparative Genomic Hybridization and FISH Analysis to interpret patient results.

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The Cytogenetic Technicianfunctions independently in performing major Cytogenetics work responsibilities of the professional laboratory practice. A Cytogenetic Technicianperforms a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing, and acts as a resource for problem resolution and interpretation of results. The Cytogenetic Technicianmay be responsible for method development research, instrument correlation, and method validation. The Cytogenetic Technician correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise, and other conditions affecting test results. TheCytogenetic Technician assistsin laboratory performance improvement activities.

Follows established guidelines to obtain specimens and prioritize work.

• Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing.
• Verifies correct identification of specimens before testing.
• Follows established guidelines for determining priority of specimen testing and procurement.
• Determines and/or revises priorities for specimen procurement within department guidelines and clinical information

Performs a wide variety of complex diagnostic and therapeutic testing.

• Performs waived, moderate or high complexity testing as defined by CLIA 88.
• May assist with method development research, instrument correlation, and method validation.
• Functions independently in performing all major work responsibilities of professional laboratory practice.
• Operates laboratory instrumentation and information systems according to procedures.
• Completes specified maintenance on instruments.

Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them.

• Assists withproblem solving, corrective action and troubleshooting for lab procedures and unexpected events in lab operations
• Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
• Consults with supervisor if unable to resolve issues.
• Exercises critical thinking to maintain and improve department productivity and efficiency.

Evaluates testing results for accuracy and appropriate intervention.

• Determine if test results fall within normal parameters and reporting protocols. Recognizes age-specific reference ranges.
• Correlates data based on clinical knowledge, technical expertise and other conditions affecting test results.
• Takes appropriate action to recheck abnormal, discrepant, or unexpected results.
• Directly communicates abnormal and critical results to care giver.
• Obtains information from caregivers to resolve reasons for incongruent results (physiologic or methodologic).

Demonstrates understanding of and commitment to Laboratory Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement and Laboratory Compliance Programs

• Documents deviations and action taken.
• Documents reagent, test kit and calibrator checks
• Takes action to evaluate and resolve QC outliers. Consults with supervisor for assistance if needed.
• Assumes responsibility for the lab Performance Improvement program by suggesting areas for improvement, collecting data, reviewing the results, and recommending corrective action to be taken.
• Documents compliance with and demonstrates working knowledge of regulations of governmental or voluntary agencies
• Collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote appropriate use of laboratory resources.

Orients and mentors new employees and students.

• Participates in orienting individuals in routine and complex testing methodology, instrumentation, and information systems.
• Checks work prior to release.
• Completes training checklists and evaluations as appropriate.
• Reports progress and problems to supervisor/manager.

Required

Education

• Bachelors degree in a related laboratory field including the related lab practicum or equivalent routes as specified in CLIA 88.

License/Certification/Registration

• Eligible for cytogenetics certification within one year of hire, must obtain within 2 years of hire as a condition of employment

Preferred

Education

• Bachelors degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Genetics, Molecular or related science

Experience

• Cytogenetics experience in G-bands, FISH, Micro Array

License/Certification/Registration

• ASCP certification in Cytogenetics or MLS

Other Required Skills

• Attention to detail
• Good organizational skills
• Good Communication skills

Desired Skills

• Demonstrate the ability to work under stress in a variety of situations
• Ability to exercise independent judgment