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 | Prepare for aseptic sampling or transfer | 1.1 | Ensure that any sampling procedure conforms with the requirements of the sampling plan |
| 1.2 | Use specified personal protective equipment (PPE) |
| 1.3 | Prepare the work area for safe and effective sample transfer |
| 1.4 | Select equipment and materials specified by the procedure |
| 1.5 | Organise equipment to minimise contamination during manipulations |
| 1.6 | Label containers for clear identification |
| 1.7 | Record details in relevant log or database |
2 | Transfer materials aseptically | 2.1 | Protect the integrity of the sample source by sterilising the sampling site and the mouth of transport or culture vessel |
| 2.2 | Sterilise inoculating loops and/or pipette where used to prevent contamination |
| 2.3 | Perform transfer while minimising opportunities for contamination and cross-infection |
| 2.4 | After transfer, and before sealing the transport or culture vessel, flame the vessel mouth to maintain sterility |
| 2.5 | Re-sterilise inoculating loops, minimising the generation of aerosols |
| 2.6 | Perform quality control checks as required |
| 2.7 | Label transport or culture vessels for clear identification |
3 | Maintain work area and equipment to prevent cross-infection and contamination | 3.1 | Place disposable and reusable items into relevant receptacles |
| 3.2 | Clean and disinfect work area and equipment after use |
| 3.3 | Transport disposable and reusable contaminated materials to relevant areas for disinfection, sterilisation and cleaning or disposal |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
safely performing aseptic techniques that maintain the integrity of both the sample source and the sample on at least three (3) occasions using different samples
preventing cross-contamination of sample source and sample
manipulating laboratory equipment and glassware to prevent contamination of culture medium during transfer
cleaning and disinfecting work surfaces and equipment to prevent cross-contamination of work area, personnel and environment
performing quality control checks, including streaking out of cultures to a single colony and lawn cultures
labelling and storing culture media according to workplace procedures
recognising and reporting non-compliance, anomalies or out-of-specification results
accurately recording data, labelling samples and completing workplace documentation
consistently using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and workplace procedures for aseptic transfer
following workplace procedures for the sorting, collecting, treating, recycling and/or disposing of waste.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
growth requirements of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, protozoans, viruses and multi-cellular parasites) and tissue in terms of their laboratory culture
relationship between sterile practices, hygiene procedures and the ability to obtain growth free of contamination
importance of pure culture techniques and aseptic transfer to the successful microbiological investigation and correct interpretation of laboratory results
cleaning and sanitising requirements of equipment and work area, and effects of physical and chemical agents on microbial growth and death
disinfection and sterilisation procedures used in the collection, processing and safe disposal of samples and materials
principles of infection control related to work health and safety (WHS), and sampling and transfer of materials in microbiological investigations
relevant hazards, such as accessing the sample from difficult or dangerous areas; injuries from sharps, burners, molten agar, dry ice and liquid nitrogen vapour; ultraviolet (UV) light sources; and exposure to hazardous substances and/or infectious agents
relevant WHS and environment requirements.
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:
MSL943002 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
MSL973003 Prepare culture media
Holistic assessment methods include:
observation of the candidate aseptically transferring a range of samples
review of quality assurance results and examination of samples transferred by the candidate
written and/or oral questioning about aseptic transfer techniques, typical quality problems, common hazards and safe work practices.
Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:
a standard laboratory
appropriate equipment, such as:
transfer equipment, such as inoculating loops, pipettes (quantitative and qualitative), flasks, tubes and spatulas
Bunsen burners and bench incinerators
anaerobic jars
incubators, water baths, refrigerators, freezers and dry ice and liquid nitrogen cylinders, if required
laminar flow units and biohazard cabinets
autoclave or pressure cooker
swabs
a continuous culture system
appropriate materials, such as:
solid and/or liquid media
supplied media, such as media manufactured in the workplace or raw material supplies for media
disinfecting and sterilising agents and materials, such as methylated spirits, ethanol and ether
disposable equipment and clothing
tissue culture media
growth media in broths, plates, deeps or slopes
receptacles for safe disposal of wastes and for processing of reusable materials
bar coding material and labels
workplace schedules, procedures and standard methods, MSDS and documented safe work practices.
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.