Sondos Khalifa, MSc,ASCPi MB ,ASCPi CG

· Assisted in the establishment of a Cytogenetics laboratory and Molecular laboratory, including equipment setup and workflow design.

· Assisted on Developing and maintained SOPs in compliance with different accrediting standards (CAP/ISO 15189/ CPAHI).

· Significant contribution to the success of first accreditations for CBAHI (Saudi central board for accreditation of healthcare institutions.) accreditation and CAP (collage for American pathologist) accreditation and ISO 15189 accreditation.

· Preformed quality control and validation/implementation for new test/methodologies according to SOP.

· Participated on CAP PT (proficiency tests).

· Monitored the daily workflow and sent results within TAT goals.

· Maintenance & Troubleshot instruments and procedure failures.

· Responsible of lab inventory and ordering.

· Preformed reagents preparation.

· Trained new Junior’s technologist in various cytogenetics & molecular techniques to meet the compliance for proficiency.

Cytogenetics & Molecular Cytogenetics Skills:

· Prepared, validated, and stored new FISH probes into clinical probe library.

· Performed hybridization protocols (FISH) tests according to CAP standards for different kinds of specimens; including peripheral blood, amniotic fluid, paraffin embedded tissue, Her2Neu samples and bone marrow - constitutional, prenatal & postnatal diagnosis and hematological blood cytogenetics samples.

· Extensive experience in FISH slides for analysis/interpretation includes both metaphase and interphase using a computer – assisted microscope-imaging system (Meta System- ISIS); conduct signals and recorded the results with proper ISCN nomenclature.

· Strong hands-on experience on preparing specimens using standardized CAP protocols for conventional cytogenetic tests. culture, harvest, slides-making procedures and using routine G-Band chromosome staining for different types of samples including peripheral blood, amniotic fluid and bone marrow - constitutional, prenatal & postnatal diagnosis, and hematological cytogenetics samples.

· Strong experience in screened and imaged cytogenetic specimens using a computer – assisted microscope-imaging system (Meta System- IKROS); conduct chromosomes karyotype analysis and describe the abnormalities of chromosomes with proper ISCN nomenclature.

· Summarized tests results, clinical indications, wrote case reports, and reviewed tests requisition to gather pertinent details for analysis.

· Conduct a Pre-Implantation genetic screening testing (PGS) via FISH, analysis-reporting results.

· Conduct (24 sure test) via illumina Array-Based CGH for genomic DNA analysis, including DNA extraction, Digestion, Ladling & preparation ladled genomic DNA for hybridization.

· Collaborated for Developing the procedures and protocols for various molecular genetics techniques, maintained records for laboratory accreditation and wrote clinical reports.

· Assay preparation/Optimizing and laboratory data analysis/interpretation.

· Ability to conduct and design experiments.

· Performing quality control and quality assurance procedures.

· Extract DNA / RNA from Blood, Bacteria sample using manual technique/ kits.

· Determining the QC of DNA-RNA via Nano Drop, Qubit 3.

· Gel-Electrophoresis.

· Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR), Real Time- PCR, Reverse Transcriptase-PCR, Nested PCR.

· Performed genotyping techniques.

· Conceived and performed qRT- PCR to study gene expression.

· (30730 xl) DNA Analyzer.

· Intensive Training on PGT-A using Thermo Fisher (Ion Torrent- ReproSeq PGS kit).

· Conduct COVID-19 various detection tests through different qRT-PCR platforms (QuantStudio™ 5 system, Mic real-time PCR cycler, Panther Fusion® System, GeneXpert, Bosch Vivalytic analysis).

· Blood samples receiving and preparing for entry to the proper analyzing machine.

· Preformed Nucleic Acid Amplification test (NAAT) and HCV/HBV assays on COBAS ® 5800 system.

· Worked on GeneXpert assays (HPV- BCR/ABL-Factor V).

· Worked on COBAS ® AmpliPrep/COBAS ® TaqMan ® assays for HCV & HBV detection.

· Preformed Sexual Transmitted Infection (STI) and Xpert® GBS (Cepheid) assays.Led complex molecular diagnostic testing projects, increasing throughput by 30%

• Streamlined laboratory workflows, reducing turnaround time for test results by 25%
• Implemented and validated new molecular assays, resulting in 15% increase in diagnostic accuracy

Worked in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Department.

Stem Cells Techniques Skills:

• Isolation mesenchymal stem cell from placenta.

• Isolation of endothelial cells from umbilical cord.

• Cell culture of mesenchymal stem cells & endothelial cells & Harvesting

• Xcelligence cell culture.

• Freezing of stem cells and endothelial cells.

• Cell line test (Proliferation).

• Gene Expression for 82 different genes.

• Quality control procedures in the laboratory, including regular monitoring of equipment and the environment and maintenance of a high standard of cleanliness.
• Testing evaluating and screening of semen according to WHO (world health organization).
• Extended semen analysis using gradient and swim up technique.
• Sperm preparation for ICSI/ IUI.
• Processing of surgically retrieved sperm, FNA (Fine Needle Aspiration), PESA (Percutaneous Epidedymal Sperm Aspiration), TESE (Testicular Sperm Extraction), MESA (microsurgical Epididymal Sperm Aspiration), Microdissection TESE
• Vitality staining using Eosin Stain.
• Sperm Freezing and Thawing.
• Preparation of procedures dishes (OPU, ET, ICSI dishes).
• Oocyte pick up and identification (search and collect the oocyte from the follicular fluids).
• Denude oocyte for grading (removal of cumulus cells around oocytes to make it easy to grade the eggs).
• Putting oocyte in holding dishes containing special media to be later injected.
• Fertilization checks on (The presence of 2 pronuclear bodies), Embryo grading and selection for transfer under an inverted microscope and EmbryoScope.
• Embryo transfer to new dish and change media.
• Handling of Embryoscope, dish preparation for Embryoscope, loading of dishes in embryoscope, loading of Embryos in Embryoscope slide.
• Data entering in Embryoscope.
• Annotating embryos in the EmbryoScope software.
• Maintaining of patient data record
• Statistics record.

• Worked in Immune Genetics department on Immune Primary Deficiencies Project.
• Diagnosis patient’s samples for certain genes using variant techniques.
• Worked at Genotyping Core Facility on Axiom-Human Mapping Microarray and Cyto Scan HD Microarray Processing.

Cytogenetic Section:

• Culturing, harvesting.

• G-banding staining from peripheral blood.

• Fluorescent in situ Hybridization (FISH).

• Chromosomal analysis of metaphase plates for normal & abnormal genetic chromosomes.

• Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).

- Andrology section:

Sperm preparation for IUI, IVF/ICSI, SFA, X-Y, TESA, TESE, FNA, Sperm freezing & thawing.

- Embryology section:

Preparation of oocytes, embryo culture, embryo selection, embryo transfer, embryo freezing, ICSI Technique, Assisted hatching, Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD).