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Clinical Cytogenetics is
the specialty that studies the structure of chromosomes and
their application to the diagnosis and monitoring of acquired
and inherited abnormalities. Clinical Cytogenetics involves
the examination of dividing cells for the recognition of chromosomal
abnormalities either inherited or acquired. The most widely
recognized use of cytogenetics today is in prenatal diagnosis
by amniocentesis and more recently chorionic villus sampling.
Cytogenetic technology is also utilized in the study of acquired
chromosomal abnormalities present in various forms of cancer.
The primary responsibility of the clinical genetics technologist
is the analysis and karyotyping of human chromosome preparations.
The clinical genetics technologist must be able to perform
all aspects of the cytogenetic procedure. Cytogenetics requires
a basic understanding of cell culture and the cell growth
cycle, the biochemistry of staining procedures, microscopy,
photomicroscopy, darkroom techniques, and new techniques in
molecular biology.
Cytogenetic analysis is crucial for patient care in the diagnosis,
prognosis, treatment and follow-up of chromosomal genetic
disorders. Cytogenetic results may also provide an indication
that genetic counseling is required for family members other
than the patient.
Cytogenetic technologists are employed in private laboratories,
or laboratories associated with teaching hospitals, pediatric
hospitals, genetic specialty clinics, gynecological high-risk
care groups, cancer treatment hospitals, and research laboratories
of universities, pharmaceutical, biotechnology or chemical
industrial companies.
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