Google Links

Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Interpret test requirements
  2. Set up work area for preparation and examination of samples
  3. Prepare samples for examination
  4. Set up and use a light microscope
  5. Observe, identify and report sample characteristics
  6. Maintain a safe work environment

Range Statement

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 and quality management

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, and national measurement regulations and guidelines

specific codes, guidelines and procedures, such as National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements, principles of good laboratory practice (GLP), and Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures

workplace procedures for microscopic examination of samples

Preparation of samples

Preparation of samples includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

drying and cooling

physical separation, centrifugation, filtration and chemical separation

sub-sampling

labelling

aseptic transfer of specimen

thin film or smear on a slide

fixing of films to minimise cell damage and the production of artefacts

staining of fixed material to illustrate required characteristics

mounting of stained films, sections and whole mounts to ensure long-term preservation

permanent labels for smears, films and sections for presentation, storage and retrieval

selection of diluent to preserve or enhance visibility of the cells to be counted

serial dilution to enable individual cells to be reliably counted

filling a counting chamber in one continuous flow without bubbles or overflow

selection, filling and cover slipping of a clean, dry counting chamber to ensure even distribution of cells during filling

Biological samples

Biological samples include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

smears, impression smears, sections, squashes, films and whole mounts

a monolayer of cells in smears and films

fixed smears for demonstration of bacteria by the methylene blue and Gram staining techniques

blood films stained by a Romanowsky technique to clearly show differentiation of granulocytes

stained sections of animal tissues using regressive haematoxylin and eosin to differentiate cytoplasmic and nuclear detail

differentially stained monocotyledon and dicotyledon stem sections to demonstrate the structure of vascular bundles (xylem, phloem and cambium)

stained whole mounts of helminths

whole mounts, such as liver flukes, planaria and samples of animal faeces to demonstrate ova, cysts and larvae

pond water organisms

onion root tip squash

midstream sample of urine

Physical samples

Physical samples include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

sand

asbestos fibres

coal samples

construction materials for testing

geological specimens

Sample characteristics

Sample characteristics are restricted to what can be viewed by bright light microscopy and include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

shape and size of particles

presence of contamination

colour

consistency and variability

number of cells (e.g. cells in blood or other particulate samples, such as a yeast suspension or pollen grains)

type of cells, percentage of atypical cells, presence/absence of cells, size of cells, viable and non-viable cells and trajectory

presence of stained material, such as starch

colour/staining and morphology

motility

Workplace safety procedures

Workplace safety procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

ergonomic layout, correct illumination and organisation of workbench

use of biohazard containers and laminar flow cabinet

correctly labelling reagents and hazardous materials

use of PPE, such as safety glasses, gloves and coveralls

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

regularly cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas

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

Performance Evidence

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

safely performing microscopic examination of at least three (3) different samples and correctly identifying and reporting the characteristics of each

checking suitability of samples, such as labelling, spillage, spoilage due to incorrect storage and transport conditions, temperature control and suitability for the examination

safely preparing routine biological and/or physical samples in accordance with workplace procedures or standard methods

checking the quality of prepared samples, such as:

clean and scratch-free microscope slides to reduce artefacts

preparation according to specified procedure/method

homogeneous suspension of sample

films and smears that have been fixed rapidly

thin films with a monolayer of cells

appropriate whole mounts for intact organisms

correct sample identification during and after processing

performing pre-use checks of equipment, such as calibration, routine cleaning and maintenance, and use by dates of reagents

setting up a light microscope for optimal resolution

accurately observing, identifying and reporting sample characteristics

performing counts on samples and basic measurements using grids

performing accurate calculations as required by the method, such as:

dilutions

percentage viability

number of cells in original sample after dilution

calculation of cells/ml in a number of squares of a counting chamber

interpreting and recording test results reliably

logging and tracking samples through all steps from sample receipt to completion of the examination and reporting

minimising cross-contamination and contamination of the laboratory and environment

using personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures to maintain personal safety and that of others

handling/storing samples and equipment and collecting/disposing of waste in accordance with workplace procedures.