Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certifications And Licensure
References
Covid19 Molecular Test
Core Expertise
Timeline
Generic

Adama Diene

Bronx,NY

Summary

Senior Cytogenetics Technologist with over 20 years in clinical cancer cytogenetics. Expertise in advanced microscopy, chromosome imaging, and complex karyotyping, leading to a significant increase in abnormality detection rates. Experienced in training technologists and ensuring laboratory compliance and quality control.

Overview

25
25
years of professional experience

Work History

Senior Technologist / Lead Technologist

Cairo Diagnostics
West Harrison, NY
04.2020 - Current
  • Increased abnormality detection rate from less than 5% to over 20% in Multiple Myeloma cases, directly contributing to a significant rise in case volume sent by client.
  • Analyze and complete extraordinarily complex abnormal cases with multiple clones and subclones in some cases (AML, lymphoma, CLL, multiple myeloma).
  • Take ownership of challenging cases and finalize accurate ISCN nomenclature.
  • Utilize CytoVision and Metafer for high-accuracy metaphase analysis and karyotype generation.
  • Perform advanced microscopy, chromosome imaging, and karyotyping for cancer bone marrow, and tissue specimens.
  • Support supervisors and managers by reviewing metaphases and karyotypes.
  • Participated in CAP and New York State proficiency testing, ensuring compliance and ongoing education.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to streamline laboratory functions and improve overall workflow.

Senior Technologist / Lead Technologist

BioReference Laboratories / OPKO Health
Elmwood Park, NJ
05.2017 - 02.2020
  • Led analysis of highly abnormal, composite, and complex karyotypes.
  • Trained newly hired technologists in microscopy analysis, metaphase capturing, and karyotyping techniques, enhancing team competency and performance.
  • Executed second-round microscopic analysis and review of cases, ensuring accuracy and reliability following initial assessments by less experienced technologists.
  • Prepared and presented preliminary karyotype reports for supervisory review, facilitating informed decision-making.
  • Conducted molecular RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 in a laboratory setting, ensuring accurate results.
  • Participated in CAP and NYS proficiency testing and ongoing education.
  • Collaborated directly with laboratory director Dr. Karim Wahchi to enhance workflow and communication.

Technologist III / Lead Technologist

Cancer Genetics Inc.
Rutherford, NJ
06.2012 - 01.2017
  • Executed and analyzed in-depth test slides for chromosomal abnormalities from bone marrow of clinical trial patients diagnosed with CLL.
  • Identified highly complex abnormal karyotypes with clones and subclones, contributing to understanding progressive disease stages.
  • Reviewed karyotypes and finalized ISCN nomenclature using MetaSystem.
  • Streamlined testing processes, resulting in increased case volume.
  • Trained and mentored junior technologists.
  • Evaluated and implemented BioView imaging software, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
  • Participated in journal clubs and conferences to enhance knowledge.

Technologist II

Wyckoff Medical Center
Brooklyn, NY
07.2005 - 03.2007
  • Performed wet lab processing for constitutional cytogenetics (newborns, routine, high-resolution studies).
  • Set up cultures, harvested specimens, prepared slides, and performed G-banding to support accurate cytogenetic analysis.
  • Conducted detailed chromosome analysis for suspected aneuploidy and structural abnormalities.
  • Utilized MetaSystem software for efficient metaphase capture and karyotyping, enhancing diagnostic precision.
  • Compiled and organized cases for director review under Dr. Arwin Babu to ensure thorough evaluation and reporting.

Technologist I

Quest Diagnostics
Teterboro, NJ
12.2003 - 06.2005
  • Conducted cytogenetic analysis of cancer bone marrow and leukemic blood specimens to support diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Developed karyotypes using CytoVision software to facilitate genetic evaluation and reporting.
  • Conducted diagnostic tests using advanced laboratory equipment and protocols.
  • Collaborated with healthcare professionals to interpret test results accurately.
  • Implemented quality control procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards.

Trainee / Cytogenetics Technologist

IMPATH Inc.
Phoenix, AZ
01.2001 - 12.2003
  • Achieved certification as Clinical Laboratory Specialist in Cytogenetics (CG) in March 2002, validating expertise in diagnostic procedures.
  • Relocated to New York facility as certified cytogenetics technologist, contributing to advanced genetic testing services.
  • Completed intensive wet lab and microscopy training in cytogenetics, enhancing skills in sample analysis and genetic testing.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Biological Sciences & Chemistry

Hunter College, City University of New York
New York, NY

Skills

  • Cytogenetics
  • Karyotyping expertise
  • Abnormal karyotype analysis
  • Chromosome imaging
  • FISH (Basic Probes)
  • Fluorescence hybridization
  • UroVysion analysis
  • Cell hybridization
  • Fluorescent microscopy
  • DNA purification
  • RNA purification
  • RT-PCR
  • Wet lab techniques
  • CytoVision software
  • Quality control
  • Staff training
  • Infectious Disease Testing

Certifications And Licensure

  • New York State Cytogenetics License, Certified, 02/01/07
  • New York State Cytogenetics License, Active, 09/30/27
  • CG(ASCP)-Certified, 01/01/10
  • CG(ASCP), Active, 12/01/27
  • Former NCA-Certified CLSp(CG), 03/01/02

References

Available upon request

Covid19 Molecular Test

BioReference Lab & OPKO, Elmwood Park, NJ, 07407, Selected in 2019 to perform molecular RT-PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2., RNA extraction and purification of SARS-CoV-2 through chemical reactions and spinning., Run Real-Time RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 test for Covid-19 patients.

Core Expertise

Cancer Cytogenetics (Bone Marrow, Peripheral Blood, Tissue), Microscopy & Chromosome Imaging Analysis, Advanced Karyotyping & ISCN Nomenclature, Complex & Composite Abnormal Karyotypes (AML, Lymphoma, CLL and Multiple Myeloma cases), Software: CytoVision, MetaSystem, BioView, Metafer, FISH (Basic Probes), Wet Lab: Culture Setup, Harvesting, G-Banding, Quality Control & Proficiency Testing (CAP, NYS), Staff Training & Case Review Leadership, Basic FISH training with Probes at Impath in Phoenix, AZ, Prepare reagents, buffers, and probes, Hybridize cells on slide preparations with probes, Use of a fluorescent microscope to analyze and score basic FISH probes on slides, UroVysion FISH analysis training for bladder cancer specimens at Quest Diagnostics in Teterboro, NJ

Timeline

Senior Technologist / Lead Technologist

Cairo Diagnostics
04.2020 - Current

Senior Technologist / Lead Technologist

BioReference Laboratories / OPKO Health
05.2017 - 02.2020

Technologist III / Lead Technologist

Cancer Genetics Inc.
06.2012 - 01.2017

Technologist II

Wyckoff Medical Center
07.2005 - 03.2007

Technologist I

Quest Diagnostics
12.2003 - 06.2005

Trainee / Cytogenetics Technologist

IMPATH Inc.
01.2001 - 12.2003

Bachelor of Arts - Biological Sciences & Chemistry

Hunter College, City University of New York
Adama Diene