This unit of competency covers the ability to perform tests and procedures associated with the detection and monitoring of tissue and bodily fluid responses to normal physiological processes and disease through the identification and quantifying of chemical components. It covers tests and procedures that are usually associated with the discipline of clinical biochemistry.

The unit of competency is applicable to laboratory technicians working in the biomedical industry sector. The unit principally refers to human pathology but many aspects are relevant to veterinary pathology. This unit of competency describes the testing of tissues, blood, bodily fluids (cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal and wound aspirates, sweat and sputum), calculi, and excreta (urine and faeces) in laboratories. Tests examine and measure compounds that can give information about alterations in individual physiology and pathology, or compounds, such as therapeutic drugs or drugs of abuse, that will alter normal physiology. The tests are performed in a full or partial computerised and automated environment where large numbers of samples must be managed, analysed and their results recorded. This unit of competency assumes that the technical officer would perform tests and procedures under the close supervision of scientific and/or medical staff. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technical worker will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures, interpretation of data and for communicating test results to people outside the laboratory.

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.

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely performing at least five (5) tests or procedures associated with the detection and monitoring of tissue and bodily fluid responses to normal physiological processes and disease through the identification and quantifying of chemical components

identifying and measuring chemical substances that are associated with organ dysfunction or indicators of success or failure of treatment

detecting and measuring drugs and toxins

testing for biological activity, such as assessment of enzyme activity indicative of organ/tissue damage

testing for evidence of prior exposure to infective agents such as identifying plasma changes that are consequent to, or associated with, immune responses

applying DNA techniques

discriminating between significant data and artefact, and responding appropriately to an abnormal result

preparing documentation that is accurate, concise and in accordance with workplace requirements

using the workplace information system efficiently

using samples, reagents and materials economically and disposing of wastes safely

maintaining security and confidentiality of all clinical information, laboratory data and records

maintaining equipment and recording and reporting malfunctions in accordance with workplace requirements.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

scientific, medical, clinical, technical and workplace terminology relevant to normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and immunology to enable efficient communication with laboratory and clinical staff

necessity for a patient or client focus when performing laboratory procedures and tests, including issues of confidentiality and security of clinical and laboratory information and data

workplace procedures for selection and use of testing procedures, in terms of the supposed or defined clinical problem

details of test methods relevant to job role

range of test results that have meaningful clinical significance

selection and use of quality control and quality assurance processes for the issuance of meaningful results

sources of error in pre- and post-analyses of samples and corrective actions

management of work flow for effective and efficient use of resources

relevant hazards, work health safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

Judgment 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:

MSL9314002 Apply quality system and continuous improvement processes

Holistic assessment methods include:

review of results/data/records generated by the candidate

feedback from peers and supervisors that the candidate follows workplace procedures consistently and that tasks are performed in accordance with workplace requirements

oral and/or written tests and paper problems associated with chemical pathology test methods and laboratory processes, such as equipment calibration and maintenance

observation of the candidate performing chemical pathology tests

integrated assessment with a case study focus, such as such as the measurement of single or multiple chemical substances and metabolites in serum or other bodily fluids.

Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:

a standard chemical pathology laboratory with relevant equipment, samples and reagents, laboratory information system, databases and record/filing system

instruments, such as manual and automated spectrometers and other related measurement devices, and various discrete and multi-channel analysers for chemical analytes

workplace procedures, test methods and equipment manuals.

Under duty of care requirements, off-the-job training providers should ensure that blood samples are known to be antibody free for hepatitis B and C, syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but this does not preclude the use of universal precaution in the use of blood samples.

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.

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.

Testing