Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct a post-mortem examination of a research animal for scientific purposes. Post-mortem examinations may be subject to biosecurity and quarantine regulatory and organisational requirements.
This unit applies to individuals who are required to work with and care for animals used within scientific establishments for scientific purposes and teaching.
All work practices must be undertaken in accordance with legislative requirements, the current Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Code), the organisation's standard operating procedures, and protocols, policies and procedures approved by the organisation's Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). Users are advised to check legislative requirements for their jurisdiction.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare to conduct the post-mortem examination | 1.1 Identify, select and prepare appropriate site for the post-mortem according to facility and containment classification 1.2 Identify containment issues and health and safety risks and take or recommend appropriate action to protect self and others 1.3 Obtain and prepare correct clothing, equipment and resources to be used in the post-mortem examination 1.4 Use appropriate manual lifting techniques to move the animal to be examined to the post-mortem area 1.5 Confirm indicators of death in animals 1.6 Confirm identity and obtain and collate all relevant preliminary information about the animal to be examined 1.7 Identify abnormal characteristics that may indicate the presence of notifiable and potentially hazardous conditions or diseases, and take or recommend appropriate action 1.8 Identify industry expert assistance, and access as appropriate |
2. Carry out the post-mortem examination | 2.1 Carry out external assessment of the animal and record outward signs of abnormalities or injury 2.2 Dissect animal using appropriate techniques and equipment to avoid cutting into organs or stomach cavity 2.3 Examine nominated organs, tissues and structures 2.4 Take and prepare samples of organs, other tissues and fluid samples where appropriate without causing damage to tissues |
3. Identify and handle a range of body parts in research animals | 3.1 Locate, identify and handle integument and facial structures 3.2 Locate, identify and handle musculoskeletal structures 3.3 Locate, identify and handle digestive system structures and organs 3.4 Locate, identify and handle reproductive system, organs and structures 3.5 Locate, identify and handle other structures and organs relevant to post-mortem procedures conducted in the facility |
4. Complete the post-mortem examination | 4.1 Dispose of carcass using appropriate equipment according to animal research practices and waste disposal legislation and regulations 4.2 Correctly label and package samples for analysis according to organisational procedures 4.3 Collate records of observations and information about the animal examined for relevant persons to analyse and diagnose 4.4 Clean and disinfect post-mortem area and equipment according to organisational procedures and biosecurity requirements where applicable |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Reading | Read and interpret relevant codes of practice and organisational procedures |
Get the work done | Perform a post-mortem examination to ensure effectiveness in meeting timelines and work schedules |
Sectors
Animal Technology (ATE)