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Field Description
Cytogenetics is the specialized area of laboratory medicine involving the study of normal and abnormal chromosomes and their relationship to human development and disease. In medical practice, the study of human chromosomes is important because changes in the chromosome number and structure can lead to birth defects, mental retardation, infertility, miscarriage and cancer.
Analysis of chromosomes can aid in the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of treatment involving conditions seen by medical geneticists, pediatricians, obstetricians, gynecologists, perinatologists, hematologists, oncologists, endocrinologists, pathologists, urologists, internists and family practice physicians.
Characteristics of a typical cytogenetic technologist:
- enjoys working independently
- applies meticulous attention to detail
- thrives with high degree of responsibility
- likes working with visual stimulus
The following program is offered:
More About Cytogenetics
Cytogenetic technologistsanalyzechromosomes using tissue cultures and slide preparations from peripheral blood, bone marrow, amniotic fluid, products of conception and tumor samples.They makemicroscopic evaluations of the chromosome number and morphology, and preparereports of the findings for physicians. Cytogenetic technologists use fluorescent-labeled DNA to detect gene and chromosome abnormalities associated with birth defects and cancers.This technique, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), has become the most rapidly growing area in cytogenetics.
Cytogenetic technologists interact with cytogeneticists, clinical geneticists, and genetic counselors to provide valuable information to health care providers from all aspects of medicine.
Cytogenetic laboratory personnel need to know about specimen requirements, handling and culturing living cells, chromosome morphology, chromosome abnormalities, methods of chromosome analysis and interpreting results of cytogenetic studies.
Clinical cytogenetics began in 1956 when the normal number of human chromosomes in each cell was established. Since then, many syndromes and diseases have been correlated with chromosome changes.
Molecular cytogenetics began in the late 1980s, when fluorescent-labeled nucleic acid probes were first hybridized with chromosomes. These FISH probes can be detected on metaphase chromosomes, in interphase nuclei, in tissue sections, or even in blastomeres or gametes. The FISH probes can hybridize to entire chromosomes or to single unique DNA sequences.
The type of FISH probe used is based on the type of syndrome/disease/condition that is suspected. The applications of FISH include ploidy analysis, translocation and structural breakpoint analysis, detection of deletions and duplications too small to be observed by conventional cytogenetics (microdeletions/microduplications), and gene mapping. FISH is often used as a powerful adjunct to conventional cytogenetics.
New techniques allow for increased resolution of chromosome banding patterns, permitting differentiation of a greater number of abnormalities. More than 20 different techniques are used for visualizing chromosomes. Chromosome abnormalities are classified as numeric or structural anomalies. The anomalies can involve one, two or multiple chromosomes. Specific cytogenetic nomenclature has been developed to describe the cytogenetic findings based on chromosome number, sex chromosome complement, and presence or absence of chromosome abnormalities.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities for cytogenetic technologists are excellent, as cytogenetic technology remains a growing field. Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians held about 295,000 jobs in 2000. About half worked in hospitals. Cytogenetic technologists also are employed in clinical laboratories, research laboratories and cytogenetic-related biotechnology companies.
Cytogenetics is a dynamic field, both in technological developments and clinical applications. Moreover, the current needs for cytogenetic technologists exceed the supply of trained staff. Over the past several years, approximately 20 technologists have been hired each year by the Mayo Clinic Cytogenetic Laboratory. Our laboratory staff find their jobs interesting and rewarding.
If you enjoy independent, meticulous, microscopic work, and are comfortable with a high degree of responsibility, cytogenetics can provide great career satisfaction while you serve in a vital health care role.
Earning Potential
Median annual earnings of medical and clinical laboratory technologists, which include cytogenetic technologists, were $46,600 in 2004. The middle 50 percent earned between $38,740 and $54,310. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $32,240 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $63,120.
Professional Organization
Visit the following Web site to learn more about cytogenetics:
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