Application
This unit of competency covers the ability to perform straightforward histological procedures involving processing and sectioning (by hand or rotary microtome) of plant and animal tissues in paraffin wax.
This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants working in biomedical, biotechnology, environmental and education sectors. Personnel will work under direct supervision and have ready access to workplace procedures.
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 | Assemble equipment and materials | 1.1 | Confirm the number and type of sections required |
1.2 | Collect equipment and arrange the workspace so that equipment can be used safely and efficiently | ||
1.3 | Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose | ||
1.4 | Report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel | ||
1.5 | Inspect processor reagents for deterioration and adequate volume, and report any items requiring replacement | ||
2 | Process and embed plant and animal tissue | 2.1 | Select program and reagents for processing |
2.2 | Monitor processor regularly during processing sequence to ensure dehydration, clearing and infiltration are complete | ||
2.3 | Check that temperature of wax is suitable for embedding process | ||
2.4 | Check that volume of wax is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load | ||
2.5 | Embed tissue in correct orientation | ||
2.6 | Allow block to solidify evenly according to wax requirements | ||
3 | Cut sections of plant and animal tissue | 3.1 | Place and secure block and knife in microtome strictly in accordance with safety directions |
3.2 | Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements | ||
3.3 | Cut ribbons of representative sections at the required thickness observing prescribed safety measures | ||
3.4 | Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues | ||
3.5 | Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring identification on slides matches that on block | ||
3.6 | Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between samples | ||
3.7 | Cut freehand sections of plant tissue as required | ||
3.8 | Inspect sections and reject items that do not meet specifications | ||
4 | Stain sections | 4.1 | Select reagents specified in the method |
4.2 | Stain sections according to the method | ||
4.3 | Examine sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes have been achieved | ||
4.4 | Mount sections to ensure long-term preservation | ||
4.5 | Attach permanent labels giving specimen details according to workplace traceability requirements | ||
5 | Maintain a safe work environment | 5.1 | Ensure personal safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) |
5.2 | Handle all specimens and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols/procedures | ||
5.3 | Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment | ||
5.4 | Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts | ||
5.5 | Collect and dispose of all wastes safely | ||
5.6 | 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 straightforward processing, sectioning (by hand or rotary microtome) and staining of at least three (3) different plant and animal tissue specimens in paraffin wax to clearly demonstrate the required tissue and/or cellular features
consistently following workplace safety procedures and/or standard methods to process, embed, cut and stain animal and plant tissue
performing pre-use equipment checks, including safety, serviceability, cleanliness and routine maintenance
cutting sections at the specified thickness that are free of wrinkles, scores and folds
staining sections of animal/human tissue and plant tissue using stains, such as regressive haematoxylin and eosin, and safranine and fast green
cover slipping slides, ensuring that no air bubbles are formed to preserve the material for the life of the slide
labelling slides clearly with case number, specimen and stain details
managing tasks and organising work to ensure the timely completion of tasks
using specimens, reagents and materials economically and disposing of wastes safely
maintaining equipment and recording/reporting malfunctions appropriately
minimising cross-contamination between specimens and contamination of the laboratory and environment
maintaining traceability through all steps from receiving a specimen to completion of a procedure.
Evidence of Knowledge
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
nature of tissues, processing and sectioning methods used in job role
functions of the components of a rotary microtome
importance and appropriate use of certified reference materials
relationship of the anatomy and morphology of tissue types and the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of stained sections
correlation between poorly maintained processing reagents and resultant tissue blocks being difficult to cut or unsuitable for cutting
relationship between correct orientation of the tissue during embedding and ability to cut sections from surface required for subsequent microscopic examination
workplace and/or legal traceability requirements
workplace procedures for safe collection and environmentally responsible disposal of wastes
workplace safety procedures and precautions relevant to:
handling microorganisms and agents associated with human or animal tissue and fluids
handling irritating, volatile, flammable and potentially carcinogenic chemicals and stains, such as formaldehyde, xylene, histoclear, ethanol and chloroform
tissue processing, embedding and microtomy
aerosols
sharps and broken glassware.
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:
MSL973007 Perform microscopic examination
Holistic assessment methods include:
inspection of sections and slides prepared by the candidate
review of quality control records for sections and slides prepared by the candidate
feedback from supervisors and peers about the candidate’s adherence to workplace/technical procedures
observation of the candidate performing tissue processing, embedding, cutting, pickup and mounting
oral/written questioning about workplace procedures covering safe processing and sectioning of plant and animal tissues and common quality issues.
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, reagents, specimens and systems, such as:
tissue processors
microtomes and microtome knives (non-disposable or disposable), and microtome knife sharpeners
a processing system for paraffin blocks
flotation baths and drying ovens
reagents, such as formaldehyde, ethanol, xylene, paraffin and stains
reference material for automated and manual quality control and quality assurance systems
fresh and fixed specimens
computer information systems, databases, record and filing systems, including specimen accessioning
workplace procedures and standard methods
associated safety equipment, such as extractor systems.
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, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; stock records and inventory; workplace recording and reporting procedures; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; PPE requirements; indicators for use of biohazard and laminar flow cabinets; containment and clean-up of spillages; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures workplace procedures for processing, cutting and/or staining sections of plant and animal tissues in paraffin wax |
Histological procedures | Histological procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of: cutting paraffin sections of organs, such as kidney, liver, small intestine, stomach and tongue cutting paraffin sections of dicotyledon and monocotyledon stems staining tissue sections with haematoxylin and eosin (human and animal tissue) and safranine and fast green (plant tissue) |
Workplace safety procedures | Workplace safety procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of: use of biohazard containers and laminar flow cabinet correctly labelling reagents and hazardous materials use of PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, goggles, faceguards, coveralls and gowns handling and storing hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS, manufacturer instructions, and workplace procedures and regulations 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