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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Prepare to assist with microbiology testing
   • Confirm requirements for assisting with microbiology testing with scientist
   • Prepare media preparation, agar plates, broth, sterile solutions in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
2. Prepare specimens for analysis
   • Prepare specimens in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
   • Process specimens by plating onto designated media
   • Conduct tests in accordance with instructions
   • Seek clarification/feedback from scientist as required
   • Follow infection control guidelines throughout procedure
3. Maintain a clean work environment
   • Clean autoclave and laboratory equipment in accordance with laboratory guidelines
   • Sterilise instruments as required
   • Dispose of contaminated waste in accordance with infection control protocols
   • Store chemicals in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

Required Skills

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 expertmentorsupervisor to having no communication supports available Use time management strategies to set priorities

Evidence Required

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 assignmentsprojects 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 andor 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

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Range Statement

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

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