Inform Diagnostics, a Fulgent Genetics Company, is a leading national pathology laboratory, headquartered in Irving, Texas, with additional state-of-the-art laboratories in Boston, New York City, and Phoenix. With unparalleled quality and experience, Inform Diagnostics provides reliable, high-quality diagnostic services in various subspecialties. The company is profoundly impacting patient care, one diagnosis at a time.

Summary

The Cytogenetics/FISH Technologist III is responsible for performing all aspects of testing in a clinical Cytogenetics/FISH Laboratory. They evaluate and introduce new material, methods, and equipment to help determine the feasibility and/or adaptability for clinical cytogenetic /FISH studies. They assist supervisors in the development of new technologies and participate in documenting and implementing Quality Assurance (QA)/ Quality Control (QC)/Quality Inventory (QI) procedures. Performs scanning and microscope analysis of chromosomes and interphase nuclei for FISH on a variety of cytogenetic specimens. Conducts imaging, karyotyping, tissue culture, harvesting, slide preparation, and banding of specimens in suspensions and/or formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues.

Responsibilities

• Follows the laboratory procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Performs and documents proficiency testing (PT) samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Adheres to the laboratory's quality control policies, documents all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
• Follows the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within laboratory's established acceptable level of performance.
• Demonstrates capability of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and must either correct the problems or immediately notify the General Supervisor, technical Supervisor, or Laboratory Director.
• Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Reports all concerns of test quality and/or patient safety to a supervisor or Safety Officer.
• Demonstrates ability to perform all tasks required by a Technologist I and II.
• Consistently and independently performs the most complex levels of clinical laboratory testing.
• Determines the need for further studies to complete a diagnosis with the appropriate authority.
• Demonstrates the ability to detect and correct technical and operational problems.
• Assists in review of data for quality assurance.
• Exhibits skill and proficiency in applying technical principles and/or techniques of cytogenetics and/or FISH.
• Conducts on-the-job training for subordinate levels.
• Performs routine procedures including recording sample and patient information.
• Establishes and maintains sample cultures.
• Sets up cultures and harvests peripheral blood, bone core, lymph nodes and bone marrow samples.
• Demonstrates sterile techniques and basic measuring and uses laboratory equipment without assistance.
• Initiates troubleshooting steps to evaluate testing failures and other technical problems.
• Harvests cultures, prepares, and bands slides or applies FISH probes and slide processing.
• Assesses chromosome/slide quality and selects conditions for improvement to ensure maximum quality.
• Scans slides, counts chromosomes and karyotype cells at the microscopic level on peripheral blood, bone core, lymph nodes and bone marrow samples.
• Accurate microscope analysis of cells and ISCN designations.
• Captures images on a computerized system and prepares karyotypes for final reports.
• Prepares final chromosome analysis and reports from culture initiation to final analysis of karyotypes.
• Utilizes imaging equipment for final review of cases.
• Accurately enter case results into the reporting system for review by the Director.
• Performs and documents preventative maintenance of lab equipment.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor of Science in biology or related field.
• 5+ experience in high complexity testing in cytogenetics.
• Current ASCP certification CG(ASCP) required.
• Requires a high degree of care and attention with strict adherence to defined clinical testing protocols.
• Demonstrated skills in technical data interpretation and ability to troubleshoot.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, and general working knowledge of Internet for business use.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment.
• Visual acuity (including color discrimination) and analytical skill to distinguish fine detail.
• Manual dexterity to use common laboratory equipment and perform sterile techniques as required.
• Must possess ability to sit and/or stand for long periods of time.
• Must possess ability to perform repetitive motion.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• May be required to handle blood-borne pathogens and general laboratory reagents.
• Exposure to bodily fluids and some exposure to laboratory reagents including ethanol, acetic acid, some xylene.

Lab Specific Qualifications

• Visual acuity (including color discrimination) and analytical skill to distinguish fine detail.
• Ability to tolerate extensive periods seated and/or standing.
• Must possess ability to perform repetitive motion.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• May have exposure to extreme temperatures, high noise levels, fumes and bio-hazardous material/chemicals including formalin in the lab environment.
• May be required to handle blood-borne pathogens and general laboratory reagents; handle live human specimens, tissues, and bodily fluid.

This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.