Application
This unit of competency covers the ability to set up a light microscope for optimum resolution, to prepare routine samples and to observe, identify and report sample characteristics.
This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory or technical assistants in all industry sectors. The unit of competency covers limited interpretation and analysis of results. Troubleshooting of equipment and procedures is not required.
While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Interpret test requirements | 1.1 | Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment involved |
1.2 | Identify hazards associated with the sample, preparation methods and equipment, and implement workplace control measures | ||
2 | Set up work area for preparation and examination of samples | 2.1 | Collect equipment and arrange the workspace so that equipment can be used safely and efficiently |
2.2 | Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose and report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel | ||
3 | Prepare samples for examination | 3.1 | Log and label samples according to workplace procedures to ensure traceability |
3.2 | Check suitability of the original and prepared sample for the examination, and report unsuitable samples to appropriate personnel | ||
3.3 | Prepare and store the sample for examination following workplace methods | ||
4 | Set up and use a light microscope | 4.1 | Set up the light path to optimise resolution |
4.2 | Select the appropriate objectives and filter for the sample being examined | ||
4.3 | Ensure that the lenses are clean | ||
4.4 | Adjust settings and alignment of the light path to optimise performance | ||
4.5 | Place sample correctly on the stage | ||
5 | Observe, identify and report sample characteristics | 5.1 | Recognise and identify significant sample characteristics |
5.2 | Perform required calculations accurately | ||
5.3 | Prepare and view control samples and check that results are consistent with expected values | ||
5.4 | Identify and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel | ||
5.5 | Record and report data in accordance with workplace procedures | ||
6 | Maintain a safe work environment | 6.1 | Ensure safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) |
6.2 | Handle all samples and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols | ||
6.3 | Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment | ||
6.4 | Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts | ||
6.5 | Collect and dispose of all wastes safely | ||
6.6 | Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
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.
Evidence of Knowledge
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
nature of samples, sample preparation methods, methods of examination and associated hazards
parts and functions of a light microscope and steps taken to optimise the resolution of images
importance and appropriate use of controls and certified reference materials
workplace and/or legal traceability requirements
relevant work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.
Assessment Conditions
Judgement of competence must be based on holistic assessment of the evidence. Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time, rather than a single assessment event.
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment. A simulated workplace environment must reflect realistic operational workplace conditions that cover all aspects of workplace performance, including the environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence or through an independent process, such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept in each case).
This unit of competency may be assessed with:
MSL922001 Record and present data
MSL933002 Contribute to the achievement of quality objectives
MSL943002 Participate in laboratory or field workplace safety
MSL953001 Receive and prepare samples for testing
Holistic assessment methods include:
review of data records prepared by the candidate, such as counts, observations and results
feedback from supervisors and peers about adherence to workplace procedures and sample preparation/examination methods
observation of the candidate performing microscopic examinations
oral/written questions about workplace procedures covering safe preparation and examination of samples.
Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:
a standard laboratory equipped with appropriate equipment, including light microscopes and samples
workplace procedures, standard methods and materials
equipment, such as glass slides, counting chambers (e.g. haemocytometer), optical graticules and stage micrometers, and tissue culture flasks
a light microscope, such as:
bright field illumination microscope up to 1000 x magnification
stereomicroscopes and dissection microscopes
compound microscope
phase contrast microscope
inverted microscope.
Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.
The assessor must demonstrate both technical competence and currency.
Technical competence can be demonstrated through:
relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR
relevant workplace experience.
Currency can be demonstrated through:
performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR
having consulted with a laboratory about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
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 |
Sectors
Competency Field
Testing