ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare imaging environment

1.1. Machine is positioned for the required procedure as instructed.

1.2. Image development equipment is prepared for use.

1.3. Support staff are rostered for the required procedure.

1.4. Radiation safety and workplace health and safety are followed throughout the procedure.

2. Prepare imaging equipment

2.1. Imaging equipment, factors, film and other required materials are prepared for use under direction and in accordance with clinic technique charts.

2.2. Appropriate chemicals and materials are prepared according to label instructions.

2.3. Contrast media are prepared in accordance with the veterinarian's instructions.

2.4. Personal protective equipment is prepared and fitted for all staff.

3. Implement imaging procedures

3.1. Thickness of the area to be imaged is measured.

3.2. Patient is prepared for imaging and protective and positioning aids are applied as instructed.

3.3. Image is produced in accordance with veterinary instructions subject to state or territory licensing.

3.4. Patient is monitored throughout the procedure and observations are recorded.

3.5. Patient is returned to housing or owner as instructed.

3.6. Common imaging faults are recognised and corrected.

4. Carry out post-imaging procedures

4.1. Images and outcomes are recorded and stored, which may include digital filing to computer records.

4.2. Used chemicals and debris are safely disposed of in accordance with clinic policy and legislative requirements.

4.3. Adequate fresh processing chemicals and other stock are maintained.

4.4. Imaging equipment is cleaned and maintained in accordance with manufacturers' specifications and clinic policies and procedures.

Required skills

Ability to:

apply safe work practices in the use of radiography and other imaging equipment

comply with relevant state or territory radiation safety Acts and regulations with regard to licensing, personal monitoring and recordkeeping

employ safe, humane and environmentally responsible organisational systems and procedures when working with animals

position animals appropriately

read imaging technique charts

use literacy skills to read, select and implement policies and procedures, including workplace health and safety, infection control and other clinic policies and procedures; implement sequenced written instructions; and record patient details accurately and legibly

use oral communication skills/language required to fulfil the job role as specified by the clinic, including negotiating and questioning techniques, active listening, asking for clarification from the veterinarian, acknowledging and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to complete basic arithmetic calculations and measure volumes

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities

use problem-solving skills to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks

use safe waste disposal procedures

work as part of a team and in close working arrangements with the supervising veterinarian.

Required knowledge

Knowledge of:

animal anatomy and physiology related to radiography and other imaging procedures

animal anaesthetic monitoring and recording procedures

common positioning techniques

medical terminology in relation to directional and positioning terms

radiography and other imaging equipment

relevant state or territory legislation and regulations relating to radiation safety, workplace health and safety and animal welfare

safe work practices in the use of radiography and other imaging equipment.

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

comply with relevant radiation safety Acts and regulations in regards to licensing, personal monitoring and recordkeeping

prepare equipment, chemicals and environment in a safe manner for scheduled routines

prepare personal protective equipment for all staff, including self

prepare patients for routines and then position them according to the veterinarian's instructions and the clinic technique chart

develop images

handle animals in a safe and ethical manner during examinations

communicate effectively with the veterinarian and clients

complete post-imaging routines and maintain accurate records.

The skills and knowledge required to apply imaging routines must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this Unit is to be practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a veterinary practice or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.

There must be access to the appropriate equipment and/or resources to enable one to demonstrate competence.

Method of assessment

To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than two occasions over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, patients, cases and responsibilities and over a number of assessment activities.

The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:

written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge

observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks

simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions

third-party evidence

workplace documentation

portfolio.

This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.

Guidance information for assessment

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).

The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.

Imaging environment preparation may include:

cleaning the facilities and equipment

ensuring required machine or equipment is available and in good working order.

Workplace health and safety risks when working with animals may include:

animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuries

biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal

handling of chemicals and medicines

gas leakage

inhalation of aerosol particles

intraocular contamination

manual handling, including carrying, lifting and shifting

needle pricks and cuts from other sharps

radiation exposure

release of infective agents (animal and human)

slippery or uneven work surfaces

zoonoses.

Imaging equipment may include:

radiographic equipment:

X-ray machine

cassettes

films

table

darkroom chemicals

contract media, markers and labels

other imaging equipment:

digital X-ray

scintigraphy

Computed Tomography (CT)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI).

Chemical preparation may include:

the need for accurate dilutions

the need for correct temperatures of the developing and fixing solutions.

Contrast media may include:

injectable and oral preparations.

Personal protective equipment may include:

lead aprons and gloves

mobile shields

personal radiation monitors (subject to legislative provisions)

thyroid shields.

Positioning aids may include:

cradles

gags

ropes

sand bags

sedation.

Common imaging faults may occur due to:

inappropriate restraint or movement of patient

failure to adequately maintain machine or equipment

problems with exposure settings or the development process.