CruxSci Cytogenetics Blog

Study guides, ISCN reference material, FISH explainers, salary data, and career advice for ASCP CG candidates and working cytogenetic technologists.

  • What is Optical Genome Mapping (OGM) and Will It Replace Conventional Cytogenetics?
    2026-07-03

    A brief history of Optical Genome Mapping, what it actually is, how it compares to karyotype/FISH/CMA, the regulatory and billing hurdles, cost breakdowns, and what the future of cytogenetics looks like.

  • How to Read Chromosome Banding (Without Losing Your Mind)
    2026-06-23

    A practical, slightly opinionated guide to identifying chromosome bands, estimating resolution using the 10q trick, and surviving the dark arts of slide prep.

  • A Short, Slightly Nerdy History of Chromosome Banding
    2026-06-23

    From tangled purple blobs to barcoded chromosomes. The accidental discoveries, the malaria stain, and the lab spill that launched modern cytogenetics.

  • The History of Flow Cytometry: From Inkjet Printers to Cancer Diagnostics
    2026-06-14

    A fun, fast-moving tour through the history of flow cytometry — from Leeuwenhoek's lenses to the Coulter Principle, FACS, and modern spectral and mass cytometry.

  • What I Wish I Knew Before the ASCP CG Exam
    2026-05-12

    Honest, hard-won lessons from passing the ASCP CG exam — pathways, the supervisor letter, CAT flagging strategy, content weighting, constitutional gimmes, test-day logistics, and the resources that actually moved the needle.

  • Cytogenetic Technologist Salary 2026: State-by-State Pay Guide
    2026-04-28

    How much do cytogenetic technologists earn in 2026? Real salary ranges by state, experience level, and certification, plus negotiation tips that actually work.

  • ASCP CG vs MB: Which Certification Should You Pursue in 2026?
    2026-04-27

    Side-by-side comparison of the ASCP Cytogenetics (CG) and Molecular Biology (MB) certifications: pay, job demand, exam difficulty, and which fits your background.

  • ASCP CG Retake Guide: How to Pass the Second Time
    2026-04-26

    Failed the ASCP CG exam? Here's exactly how to diagnose what went wrong, restructure your prep in 6–8 weeks, and pass on retake. Step-by-step recovery plan.

  • Best ASCP CG Practice Questions (2026): How to Spot Bad Practice Tests — and What Actually Works
    2026-04-22

    Honest buyer's guide to ASCP CG practice questions and cytogenetics practice tests. How to spot junk question banks, when self-study beats buying, and what to look for in a real CAT-style prep platform.

  • ASCP CG Exam Cost, Eligibility & Application Guide 2026
    2026-04-21

    Complete breakdown of ASCP CG exam costs, eligibility routes, application steps, and hidden expenses. Plus how to get reimbursed and budget smart for prep.

  • Life as a Cytogenetic Technologist: Solving the Ultimate Genetic Puzzle
    2026-04-19

    What it's really like to work in cytogenetics — wet lab, dry lab, automation, ergonomics, career trajectory, and why it's one of the most rewarding lab careers.

  • Free ASCP CG Practice Test: Benchmark Your Cytogenetics Score in 20 Questions
    2026-04-18

    Take a free 20-question ASCP CG diagnostic to see where you stand. Learn how to prepare for a CAT exam, flag questions, and strategize before test day.

  • The Ultimate Cyto Vibe Check: Where Should You Launch Your Lab Career?
    2026-04-18

    An honest, insider's guide to the biggest cytogenetics employers — LabCorp, NeoGenomics, Quest, Mayo, ARUP, and boutique labs — to help you find your fit after the ASCP CG exam.

  • How to Pass the ASCP CG Exam: Complete 2026 Study Guide
    2026-04-18

    A complete, no-fluff study guide for the ASCP Cytogenetics CG exam — format, content weighting, CAT scoring, and a proven 12-week study plan.

  • FISH Probe Types Explained: Locus-Specific, Centromeric, Break-Apart, Dual-Fusion
    2026-04-17

    A clear, exam-focused guide to the four major FISH probe types every ASCP CG candidate must know — with clinical use cases and signal patterns.

  • ISCN Nomenclature Cheat Sheet for the ASCP CG Exam
    2026-04-16

    A practical ISCN 2024 cheat sheet covering karyotype notation, abbreviations, and translocation/inversion/deletion syntax for the ASCP CG exam.

  • Top 25 Chromosomal Abnormalities Every Cytogenetic Technologist Should Know
    2026-04-15

    The 25 highest-yield chromosomal abnormalities for the ASCP CG exam — constitutional syndromes, leukemia/lymphoma translocations, and solid tumor markers.