Assessor Resource

MSL953001
Receive and prepare samples for testing

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit of competency covers the ability to log samples, check sample documentation, and schedule and prepare samples for testing in accordance with workplace procedures. This unit does not include testing, tissue processing or similar techniques.

This unit of competency is applicable to field and laboratory assistants in all industry sectors who receive and prepare samples as part/all of their job in a sample reception area.

While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Log samples

1.1

Record date (and time of arrival, if required) of samples at workplace

1.2

Check and match samples with request forms before they are accepted

1.3

Enter samples into the laboratory information management system (LIMS)

1.4

Apply required document tracking procedures

1.5

Process 'urgent' test requests according to workplace requirements

1.6

Ensure security and traceability of all information, laboratory data and records

2

Address client and customer service issues

2.1

Report to referring client when samples and request forms do not comply with workplace requirements

2.2

Refer to supervisor for instruction where 'return to source' is inappropriate or not possible

2.3

Maintain confidentiality of all client/workplace data and information

2.4

Ensure that information provided to customers is accurate, relevant and authorised for release

2.5

Deal with customers politely and efficiently and in accordance with workplace procedures

3

Prepare samples for testing

3.1

Perform physical separation of the samples, as required

3.2

Prepare the required number of sub-samples

3.3

Perform chemical separation of the samples, as required

3.4

Place samples in appropriate transport media, if appropriate

3.5

Monitor and control sample conditions before, during and after processing

4

Distribute samples

4.1

Group samples requiring similar testing requirements

4.2

Distribute samples to workstations maintaining sample integrity

4.3

Distribute request forms for data entry or filing in accordance with workplace procedures

4.4

Check that samples and relevant request forms have been received by laboratory personnel

5

Maintain a safe work area and environment

5.1

Apply safe work practices to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

5.2

Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety when sampling, processing, transferring or disposing of samples

5.3

Report all accidents and spillages to supervisor

5.4

Clean up splashes and spillages immediately using appropriate techniques and precautions

5.5

Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts

5.6

Ensure the safe disposal of hazardous materials and other laboratory wastes

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely receiving and preparing samples for testing in accordance with workplace procedures on at least three (3) occasions

receiving and preparing at least three (3) different types of samples

logging samples and checking samples for history, acceptable transport conditions and complete documentation

promptly addressing client and customer service issues in consultation with appropriate personnel

labelling, preparing, sub-sampling and storing samples to maintain sample integrity and traceability

distributing samples for efficient testing in accordance with workplace procedures

recognising and dealing with problems according to workplace procedures

dealing with customers politely and efficiently

disposing of samples following required procedures

maintaining confidentiality of all data and information

providing information to customers that is accurate, relevant and authorised for release

maintaining equipment and ensuring a clean and safe work area.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

workplace procedures for the receipt, labelling, preparation, processing, documentation, distribution and storage of samples used in job role

requirements of specified sample types for specific tests handled in job role

potentially hazardous and unstable nature of samples

importance of maintaining effective customer relations

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

Additional knowledge applies to industry sectors, for example, biomedical laboratories:

potentially infective nature of all biological materials

nature of unstable solutions, such as anti-coagulated whole blood

non-conformance of clotted samples for procedures, such as routine haematological tests.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL913001 Communicate with other people

MSL943002 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of sample receipt and preparation records prepared by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers about the candidate’s ability to receive and prepare samples in accordance with workplace procedures

observation of the candidate receiving and preparing samples

oral or written questions to assess required knowledge of receiving and preparing samples for testing.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

a laboratory information management system (LIMS) system and workplace procedures covering the receipt and preparation of samples for testing

sample containers, tubes, request forms and sample documentation

simulated samples when an authentic sample is unavailable or inappropriate.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Log samples

1.1

Record date (and time of arrival, if required) of samples at workplace

1.2

Check and match samples with request forms before they are accepted

1.3

Enter samples into the laboratory information management system (LIMS)

1.4

Apply required document tracking procedures

1.5

Process 'urgent' test requests according to workplace requirements

1.6

Ensure security and traceability of all information, laboratory data and records

2

Address client and customer service issues

2.1

Report to referring client when samples and request forms do not comply with workplace requirements

2.2

Refer to supervisor for instruction where 'return to source' is inappropriate or not possible

2.3

Maintain confidentiality of all client/workplace data and information

2.4

Ensure that information provided to customers is accurate, relevant and authorised for release

2.5

Deal with customers politely and efficiently and in accordance with workplace procedures

3

Prepare samples for testing

3.1

Perform physical separation of the samples, as required

3.2

Prepare the required number of sub-samples

3.3

Perform chemical separation of the samples, as required

3.4

Place samples in appropriate transport media, if appropriate

3.5

Monitor and control sample conditions before, during and after processing

4

Distribute samples

4.1

Group samples requiring similar testing requirements

4.2

Distribute samples to workstations maintaining sample integrity

4.3

Distribute request forms for data entry or filing in accordance with workplace procedures

4.4

Check that samples and relevant request forms have been received by laboratory personnel

5

Maintain a safe work area and environment

5.1

Apply safe work practices to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

5.2

Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety when sampling, processing, transferring or disposing of samples

5.3

Report all accidents and spillages to supervisor

5.4

Clean up splashes and spillages immediately using appropriate techniques and precautions

5.5

Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts

5.6

Ensure the safe disposal of hazardous materials and other laboratory wastes

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories; laboratory safety; quality and environmental management; and labelling, storage, transport and disposal of hazardous materials

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, and national environmental protection measures

specific codes, guidelines and procedures, such as Australian Dangerous Goods Code, Australia Post Guides, International Air Transport Association (IATA) Regulations, and Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) Codes of Practice

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); material safety data sheets (MSDS); safety procedures for specific materials and equipment; incident/accident report forms; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; spillage and waste containment and disposal protocols; and customer service standards

procedure sheets indicating how samples and sub-samples are to be labelled, prepared, processed, distributed, flagged for urgent testing or for other non-routine requirements, including referral to external laboratories, transport and storage requirements

Samples received

Samples received include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

gas or air samples

liquid samples, such as water and wastewater, stormwater, sludges, and complex mixtures and sewage

solid samples, such as soils and sediments, rocks/minerals, concrete, quarry or mining products

solid wastes, such as hazardous, non-hazardous, domestic, commercial, industrial, mining and agricultural

biological specimens, such as tissue and blood

raw materials, start, middle, end of production run samples and final products

Safe work practices

Safe work practices include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

using MSDS and standard precautions when dealing with potentially hazardous materials

handling, and storing hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer instructions, and workplace procedures and regulations

using biohazard containers and laminar flow cabinets

labelling of reagents and hazardous materials correctly

regularly cleaning and/or decontaminating equipment and work areas

using PPE, such as hard hats, hearing protection, gloves, safety glasses, goggles, face guards, coveralls, gowns, body suits, respirators and safety boots

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

· complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely receiving and preparing samples for testing in accordance with workplace procedures on at least three (3) occasions

receiving and preparing at least three (3) different types of samples

logging samples and checking samples for history, acceptable transport conditions and complete documentation

promptly addressing client and customer service issues in consultation with appropriate personnel

labelling, preparing, sub-sampling and storing samples to maintain sample integrity and traceability

distributing samples for efficient testing in accordance with workplace procedures

recognising and dealing with problems according to workplace procedures

dealing with customers politely and efficiently

disposing of samples following required procedures

maintaining confidentiality of all data and information

providing information to customers that is accurate, relevant and authorised for release

maintaining equipment and ensuring a clean and safe work area.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

workplace procedures for the receipt, labelling, preparation, processing, documentation, distribution and storage of samples used in job role

requirements of specified sample types for specific tests handled in job role

potentially hazardous and unstable nature of samples

importance of maintaining effective customer relations

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

Additional knowledge applies to industry sectors, for example, biomedical laboratories:

potentially infective nature of all biological materials

nature of unstable solutions, such as anti-coagulated whole blood

non-conformance of clotted samples for procedures, such as routine haematological tests.

Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL913001 Communicate with other people

MSL943002 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of sample receipt and preparation records prepared by the candidate

feedback from supervisors and peers about the candidate’s ability to receive and prepare samples in accordance with workplace procedures

observation of the candidate receiving and preparing samples

oral or written questions to assess required knowledge of receiving and preparing samples for testing.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

a laboratory information management system (LIMS) system and workplace procedures covering the receipt and preparation of samples for testing

sample containers, tubes, request forms and sample documentation

simulated samples when an authentic sample is unavailable or inappropriate.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience.

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Record date (and time of arrival, if required) of samples at workplace 
Check and match samples with request forms before they are accepted 
Enter samples into the laboratory information management system (LIMS) 
Apply required document tracking procedures 
Process 'urgent' test requests according to workplace requirements 
Ensure security and traceability of all information, laboratory data and records 
Report to referring client when samples and request forms do not comply with workplace requirements 
Refer to supervisor for instruction where 'return to source' is inappropriate or not possible 
Maintain confidentiality of all client/workplace data and information 
Ensure that information provided to customers is accurate, relevant and authorised for release 
Deal with customers politely and efficiently and in accordance with workplace procedures 
Perform physical separation of the samples, as required 
Prepare the required number of sub-samples 
Perform chemical separation of the samples, as required 
Place samples in appropriate transport media, if appropriate 
Monitor and control sample conditions before, during and after processing 
Group samples requiring similar testing requirements 
Distribute samples to workstations maintaining sample integrity 
Distribute request forms for data entry or filing in accordance with workplace procedures 
Check that samples and relevant request forms have been received by laboratory personnel 
Apply safe work practices to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety when sampling, processing, transferring or disposing of samples 
Report all accidents and spillages to supervisor 
Clean up splashes and spillages immediately using appropriate techniques and precautions 
Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts 
Ensure the safe disposal of hazardous materials and other laboratory wastes 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL953001 - Receive and prepare samples for testing
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

MSL953001 - Receive and prepare samples for testing

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: