The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:

The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment

Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Equipment

Laboratory policy and procedure manual

Work health and safety (WHS) requirements

Infection control manual

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place (if possible)

Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge

Oral questioning

Computer aided assessment

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Access and equity considerations:

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units:

This unit can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other pathology units of competency is encouraged

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Autoclave, laminar flow system

Basic microbiology

Biohazard nature of specimens handled in the laboratory

Infection control requirements

Laboratory policy and procedure manual

Medical terminology

WHS requirements

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Assist and prepare specimens for analysis

Comply with relevant policies, protocols, guidelines and procedures of the organisation

Effectively communicate with internal and external customers

Follow instructions

Handle of hazardous chemicals

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Use basic computer skills

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division to recording numbers

Use oral communication skills and language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in:

asking questions

providing clear information

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

literacy in English or community language, depending on client group and organisations requirements

Use problem solving skills including ability to use available resources

Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill may range from the ability to understand symbols used in WHS signs, to reading workplace safety pamphlets or procedure manuals, to reading labels and handling chemicals

Use literacy support available in the workplace that may range from having access to support or assistance from expert/mentor/supervisor, to having no communication supports available

Use time management strategies to set priorities

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Specimens may include:

Blood

Cultures

Urine

Faeces

Swabs

Tissue samples

Sputum

Body fluids

CSF pleural aspirates

Simple reagents and apparatus may include:

Media preparation

Agar plates

Broth

Sterile solutions

Equipment may include:

Staining machines

Tissue homogeniser

Biohazard cabinet

Centrifuge

Incubator

Designated media to include:

Blood agar

Macconkey agar

Chocolate agar

Anaerobic agar

Other specialised agar

Tests to include:

Microscopy and culture

Staining