Required skills

Required skills include

manual and automated histological tests and procedures

preparing storing and disposing of stains and reagents

cutting paraffin embedded sections

cutting and staining frozen sections

staining paraffin embedded sections to demonstrate normal and abnormal tissue structure

specialised stainingeg to demonstrate connective tissue

histochemical stainingeg to demonstrate carbohydrates

polarising microscopy

fluorescent staining

immunohistochemical staining

recognising problems in systems and documentation and troubleshooting under direction andor where appropriate

using the enterprise information system

preparing documentation that is accurate concise and in accordance with enterprise requirements

managing tasks and organising work to ensure the timely completion of tasks

using samples reagents and materials economically and disposing of wastes safely

working safely

maintaining equipment

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes

terminology used to communicate issues that relate to underpinning normal and abnormal anatomy physiology biochemistry and immunology

relationship between strict adherence to enterprise procedures during each step and the maintenance of specimen integrity

relevant health safety and environment requirements particularly those related to handling irritating volatile flammable and potentially carcinogenic substances such as formaldehyde xylene histoclear ethanol and chloroform

importance of recognising the uniqueness of patient histological tissues a nonrenewable resource

relationship of the anatomy and morphology of tissue types and the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of stained sections

chemistry of fixatives and their role in retaining size and spatial relationships in tissues and in preventing autolysis and putrefaction

relationship between the tissue components to be demonstrated and the choice of fixatives and fixation procedures such as microwave fixation processing and staining techniques

chemistry of dehydration and rehydration of tissues during processing and staining

relationship between correct orientation of the tissue during embedding and ability to cut sections from surface required for subsequent microscopic examination

correlation between poorly maintained processing reagents and resultant tissue blocks being difficult to cut or unsuitable for cutting

properties of the embedding medium

labile nature and chemistry of stains and the importance of correct preparation and storage to ensure required staining outcome

chemical interaction between the tissues and the various staining procedures implemented including histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures that is reasons why the stains work

effects of the presence of artefacts in sections on microscopic examination of tissues

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria required skills and knowledge range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessors should ensure that candidates can

perform manual and automated histological tests and procedures

prepare safely store and dispose of stains and reagents

cut paraffin embedded sections free of wrinkles scores and folds at the specified thickness to demonstrate tissue and cellular structures granules inclusions and organellesas required

cut and stain frozen sections at the specified thickness to demonstrate tissue and cellular structures and inclusions as required

stain paraffin embedded sections to demonstrate normal and abnormal tissue structure

perform specialised staining for example to demonstrate connective tissue musclestriations central nervous system glands basement membrane microorganisms pigments and deposits

perform histochemical stains for example to demonstrate carbohydrates amyloid and mucins

perform specialised techniques such as polarising microscopy fluorescent staining and use of microwave ovens in histopathology

perform basic immunohistochemical staining

cover slip slides ensuring that no air bubbles are formed and material is preserved for the life of the slide

label slides clearly with case specimen and stain details

recognise problems in systems and documentation and troubleshoot under direction andor where appropriate

use the enterprise information system efficiently

critically analyse information in enterprise documents

prepare documentation that is accurate concise and in accordance with enterprise requirements

manage tasks and organise work to ensure the timely completion of tasks

use samples reagents and materials economically and disposes of wastes safely

use equipment safely

maintain equipment recording and reporting malfunctions appropriately

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment

This unit of competency may be assessed with

MSLA Apply quality systems and continuous improvement processes

MSL934002A Apply quality systems and continuous improvement processes.

Resources may include

standard histologylaboratory with relevant equipment samples and reagents

enterprise procedures test methods and equipment manuals

Under duty of care requirements offthejob training providers will only use samples and organisms of a risk category compatible with their laboratory as defined in ASNZS

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested

inspection of stained tissue sectionsslides prepared by the candidate

feedback from peers and supervisors

observation of candidate performing tests and procedures such as

preparation of microtome for cutting cutting blemish free sections successful flotation and pickup of section

staining tissues to demonstrate tissue structures and cell components as required

morphological identification of tissues such as epithelial muscle central nervous and glandular

oral andor written tests and paper problems associated with test methods and laboratory processes such as equipment calibration and maintenance

This competency in practice

Industry representatives have provided the case study below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting

Biomedical

In preparation for cutting some sections a technical officer followed standard procedures This involved checking the flotation bath temperature checking the surface of the bath for cleanliness inserting the microtome knife and checking the angle of the knife They referred to the worksheet to confirm the number of slides required per patient and then labelled slides accordingly They then proceeded with section cutting carefully observing the safety protocols They ensured that as the sections were picked up from the flotation bath the patient identification on the slides and the block matched They then cleaned the surface of the bath to prevent crosscontamination of samples between patients The technical officers care and diligence in performing these procedures ensured that specimen integrity was maintained

Codes of practice

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Equipment, reagents, specimens and systems

Communication

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements