cytogenetic technologist Interview Questions and Answers

1. What is cytogenetics?

   • Answer: Cytogenetics is the study of chromosomes and their relationship to heredity and disease. It involves analyzing the number and structure of chromosomes to detect abnormalities that can cause genetic disorders.

2. Describe the different types of chromosome banding techniques.

   • Answer: Common banding techniques include G-banding (using trypsin and Giemsa stain), Q-banding (using quinacrine mustard), R-banding (reverse banding, highlighting different regions than G-banding), and C-banding (staining constitutive heterochromatin).

3. Explain the process of preparing a karyotype.

   • Answer: Karyotype preparation involves culturing cells (e.g., blood lymphocytes), arresting cell division at metaphase, harvesting cells, hypotonic treatment to swell cells and spread chromosomes, fixing the cells, staining, and then microscopically analyzing and arranging the chromosomes in a standard karyotype.

4. What are some common chromosomal abnormalities detected by cytogenetic analysis?

   • Answer: Examples include trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome), monosomy X (Turner syndrome), Klinefelter syndrome (XXY), and various structural rearrangements like translocations, inversions, and deletions.

5. How do you interpret a karyotype?

   • Answer: Karyotype interpretation involves identifying the number of chromosomes, analyzing their structure for abnormalities (e.g., deletions, duplications, translocations), and assigning a karyotype description using standardized nomenclature (e.g., 47,XY,+21 for Down syndrome).

6. What is FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization)?

   • Answer: FISH is a molecular cytogenetic technique that uses fluorescently labeled DNA probes to detect specific DNA sequences on chromosomes. It's used to identify chromosomal abnormalities, including microdeletions and gene amplifications, that may be missed by conventional karyotyping.

7. Explain the principle of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH).

   • Answer: CGH compares the relative amounts of DNA from a test sample and a reference sample. It's used to detect gains and losses of chromosomal material, identifying copy number variations (CNVs).

8. What are the limitations of cytogenetic techniques?

   • Answer: Limitations include the need for actively dividing cells, resolution limitations (may miss small abnormalities), and the time required for analysis. Some techniques like karyotyping can be labor-intensive.

9. What quality control measures are used in a cytogenetics laboratory?

   • Answer: Quality control includes using positive and negative controls in every batch of tests, regular calibration and maintenance of equipment, proficiency testing participation, adherence to standard operating procedures, and regular review of results.

10. How do you ensure patient confidentiality in a cytogenetics laboratory?

    • Answer: Patient confidentiality is maintained by adhering to HIPAA regulations (or equivalent), using coded identifiers instead of names, securing patient samples and data, and restricting access to patient information to authorized personnel only.

11. Describe your experience with different types of microscopes used in cytogenetics.

    • Answer: [Answer should detail experience with brightfield microscopes, potentially fluorescence microscopes for FISH, and any experience with automated image analysis systems.]

12. What are the safety precautions you take when working with cytogenetic samples and reagents?

    • Answer: Safety precautions include using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, lab coats, and eye protection; handling hazardous materials according to safety data sheets; proper disposal of biological waste; and following all laboratory safety protocols.

13. Explain your experience with different types of cell cultures.

    • Answer: [Answer should detail experience with different cell types used in cytogenetics, like lymphocytes, amniotic fluid cells, bone marrow cells, and any experience with different culture media and techniques.]

14. What is your experience with data analysis and reporting in cytogenetics?

    • Answer: [Answer should describe experience with karyotyping software, reporting systems, database management, and any experience with generating reports for clinicians.]

15. How do you troubleshoot problems encountered during karyotyping or FISH analysis?

    • Answer: Troubleshooting involves systematically identifying potential causes of problems (e.g., cell culture issues, reagent problems, equipment malfunctions), reviewing protocols, consulting with colleagues, and taking corrective actions based on the identified issue.

16. Describe your experience with maintaining laboratory equipment and supplies.

    • Answer: [Answer should describe experience with equipment maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, ordering and inventory management of supplies and reagents.]

17. How do you stay current with advancements in cytogenetics?

    • Answer: Staying current involves reading scientific literature, attending professional conferences and workshops, participating in continuing education activities, and networking with other cytogeneticists.

18. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a cytogenetic technologist?

    • Answer: [Answer should be honest and specific, highlighting relevant skills and areas for improvement. Examples: Strengths - attention to detail, problem-solving skills; Weaknesses - time management, public speaking (if applicable and relevant).]

19. Why are you interested in this position?

    • Answer: [Answer should reflect genuine interest in the position and the organization, highlighting relevant experience and career goals.]

20. Where do you see yourself in five years?

    • Answer: [Answer should show career ambition and alignment with the organization's goals. Examples include professional development, leadership roles, or specialization in a specific area of cytogenetics.]

21. What is your salary expectation?

    • Answer: [Answer should be realistic and based on research of similar positions in the area. It's acceptable to give a salary range.]

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