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 | Work safely according to the legal and regulatory framework | 1.1 | Ensure work practices and personal actions conform to regulations, codes, guidelines and workplace quality assurance procedures |
| 1.2 | Identify hazards and workplace controls associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and equipment |
| 1.3 | Select, fit and use personal protective equipment (PPE) |
| 1.4 | Address hazards and incidents as they arise |
| 1.5 | Maintain a chain of custody, traceable to the worker, for all cells and tissues |
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2 | Prepare and test cell and tissue culture media | 2.1 | Select and confirm media specifications and processes/methods |
| 2.2 | Prepare culture media to suit the application |
| 2.3 | Sterilise culture media and check for sterility |
| 2.4 | Perform quality control checks to ensure that culture media is fit for purpose |
| 2.5 | Store culture media in accordance with specifications |
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3 | Prepare tissue or cell cultures | 3.1 | Select tissue/cell sample to optimise growth and prepare it for culture |
| 3.2 | Add specified growth agents and/or nutrients |
| 3.3 | Inoculate culture medium using aseptic techniques |
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4 | Monitor tissue or cell culture | 4.1 | Incubate culture in specified conditions |
| 4.2 | Monitor growth of culture and record appearance and characteristics |
| 4.3 | Report presence or absence of contamination |
| 4.4 | Subculture the culture to continue the cell line |
| 4.5 | Dispose of biohazardous and other laboratory waste safely |
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5 | Maintain records | 5.1 | Maintain records of batches of media and test data |
| 5.2 | Ensure records of tissue cultures are retrievable, legible and accurate |
| 5.3 | Ensure records conform to information management, records, quality system and legal requirements |
Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:
safely preparing at least three (3) different primary tissue cultures that are free of contamination using tissue culture and basic subculture procedures
manipulating equipment and materials and samples to prevent contamination at all preparation stages
preparing, diluting and sterilising reagents and culture media that are fit for purpose
performing routine maintenance and checks on raw materials and consumables, including use-by-date, possible contamination and storage conditions
growing cell lines and tissue to specifications without contaminating the original sample and the environment
monitoring cell growth, checking growth rates and recognising problems, such as contamination of media by bacteria (e.g. Mycoplasma), fungi and other plant or animal tissue
identifying expected cell types and recognising normal and abnormal cells using an inverted microscope
accurately counting total and viable cells
maintaining chain of custody and traceability to the worker, of all cell lines, tissues, logs of work completed and procedures/methods used
working safely and satisfying all legal and regulatory requirements, including the use and care of biohazard cabinets.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
basic classes and classification of culturable material, such as organisms, plants, animals, bacteria, viruses, tissues, cells and prions
structure and function of cells and organelles
cell structure, physiology and processes, including simple and facilitated diffusion, plasmolysis, osmosis, tonicity, active transport, energy production, mitosis, motility, phagocytosis and pinocystosis
concepts and principles of cell growth, including the need for nutrients, the role of growth regulators and the removal of wastes
types and sources of contamination
importance of strict aseptic techniques and cleaning procedures
quality control checks and quality assurance procedures
workplace and/or legal traceability requirements
hazards and risks in biological laboratories and relevant work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.
Judgment 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:
MSL933001 Maintain the laboratory/field workplace fit for purpose
MSL973003 Prepare culture media
MSL973007 Perform microscopic examination
Holistic assessment methods include:
examination of tissue and cell cultures prepared by the candidate
review of work records and results obtained by candidate
feedback from supervisors and peers on adherence to workplace/technical procedures
observation of the candidate preparing a range of tissue and cell cultures
oral and/or written questioning covering workplace procedures and technical aspects of preparing tissue and cell cultures,
Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit including, but not limited to:
a laboratory equipped with appropriate equipment, samples, cell lines and reagents
tissue culture equipment and facilities, including:
growth cabinets
culture vessels, growth chambers, sterile containers, culture plates, flasks and bottles
autoclaves
positive filtration apparatus
auto pipettes and pipette pumps
cell counting chambers and a haemocytometer
incubators, including specialised atmosphere carbon dioxide
binocular light inverted microscopes
centrifuges
workplace procedures and standard methods.
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.