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Evidence Guide: MSL975001 - Perform microbiological tests

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

MSL975001 - Perform microbiological tests

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Receive samples and process associated request forms

  1. Check samples and request form details before they are accepted
  2. Return samples and request forms that do not comply with requirements to source with reasons for non-acceptance
  3. Log samples, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody
  4. Distribute samples for local testing or dispatch samples to other testing facilities
  5. Store samples appropriately where testing or transport is to be delayed
Check samples and request form details before they are accepted

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Return samples and request forms that do not comply with requirements to source with reasons for non-acceptance

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Log samples, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distribute samples for local testing or dispatch samples to other testing facilities

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store samples appropriately where testing or transport is to be delayed

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare for safe microbiological work and aseptic applications

  1. Select work area and equipment required for the safe handling of materials that may contain microorganisms of specified risk groups
  2. Wear protective apparel, replacing it when contamination is suspected
  3. Apply correct disinfection procedures to work areas before and after use
  4. Locate relevant emergency equipment for timely response to microbiological accidents
  5. Apply standard precautions when handling biological materials
  6. Minimise the production and release of aerosols, using biological safety cabinets where necessary
  7. Clean spills, and report all spills and suspected incidents to supervisor
  8. Wash hands before and after laboratory work and when contamination is suspected
  9. Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures
Select work area and equipment required for the safe handling of materials that may contain microorganisms of specified risk groups

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wear protective apparel, replacing it when contamination is suspected

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply correct disinfection procedures to work areas before and after use

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Locate relevant emergency equipment for timely response to microbiological accidents

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply standard precautions when handling biological materials

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise the production and release of aerosols, using biological safety cabinets where necessary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean spills, and report all spills and suspected incidents to supervisor

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wash hands before and after laboratory work and when contamination is suspected

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process samples for direct examination

  1. Prepare thin smears of samples for subsequent staining to enable microscopic identification of cells
  2. Prepare liquid films of specimens for direct observation for motility or cell structure
  3. Prepare samples to concentrate material for subsequent staining or microscopy
Prepare thin smears of samples for subsequent staining to enable microscopic identification of cells

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare liquid films of specimens for direct observation for motility or cell structure

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare samples to concentrate material for subsequent staining or microscopy

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare pure cultures for microbiological work and aseptic applications

  1. Select culture media to maximise growth of microorganisms and cells
  2. Inoculate media aseptically, applying techniques suitable for purpose of culture
  3. Incubate inoculated media in conditions to optimise growth of organisms and cells
  4. Subculture on suitable media to optimise production of pure cultures
Select culture media to maximise growth of microorganisms and cells

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inoculate media aseptically, applying techniques suitable for purpose of culture

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incubate inoculated media in conditions to optimise growth of organisms and cells

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subculture on suitable media to optimise production of pure cultures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform procedures that can assist in the identification of microorganisms

  1. Select staining techniques to demonstrate required cellular characteristics
  2. Stain prepared films to demonstrate diagnostically useful characteristics
  3. Inoculate and incubate media with pure cultures to assist in the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms
  4. Perform tests on pure cultures to assist in the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms
  5. Perform antibiotic sensitivity testing, if required
Select staining techniques to demonstrate required cellular characteristics

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stain prepared films to demonstrate diagnostically useful characteristics

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inoculate and incubate media with pure cultures to assist in the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform tests on pure cultures to assist in the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform antibiotic sensitivity testing, if required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimate the number and/or size of micro-organisms in samples

  1. Count cells in undiluted samples to indicate the dilution necessary to reliably count organisms in culture
  2. Prepare serial dilutions of samples aseptically for culture and colony counting
  3. Count colonies for calculating number of viable organisms per unit volume
  4. Count microorganisms in samples and cultures using spectrometric and electronic methodologies, where relevant
  5. Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, where relevant
Count cells in undiluted samples to indicate the dilution necessary to reliably count organisms in culture

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare serial dilutions of samples aseptically for culture and colony counting

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Count colonies for calculating number of viable organisms per unit volume

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Count microorganisms in samples and cultures using spectrometric and electronic methodologies, where relevant

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, where relevant

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain records of laboratory work

  1. Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required
  2. Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checklists
  3. Maintain security and confidentiality of all clinical information, laboratory data and records
Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checklists

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Receive samples and process associated request forms

1.1

Check samples and request form details before they are accepted

1.2

Return samples and request forms that do not comply with requirements to source with reasons for non-acceptance

1.3

Log samples, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody

1.4

Distribute samples for local testing or dispatch samples to other testing facilities

1.5

Store samples appropriately where testing or transport is to be delayed

2

Prepare for safe microbiological work and aseptic applications

2.1

Select work area and equipment required for the safe handling of materials that may contain microorganisms of specified risk groups

2.2

Wear protective apparel, replacing it when contamination is suspected

2.3

Apply correct disinfection procedures to work areas before and after use

2.4

Locate relevant emergency equipment for timely response to microbiological accidents

2.5

Apply standard precautions when handling biological materials

2.6

Minimise the production and release of aerosols, using biological safety cabinets where necessary

2.7

Clean spills, and report all spills and suspected incidents to supervisor

2.8

Wash hands before and after laboratory work and when contamination is suspected

2.9

Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures

3

Process samples for direct examination

3.1

Prepare thin smears of samples for subsequent staining to enable microscopic identification of cells

3.2

Prepare liquid films of specimens for direct observation for motility or cell structure

3.3

Prepare samples to concentrate material for subsequent staining or microscopy

4

Prepare pure cultures for microbiological work and aseptic applications

4.1

Select culture media to maximise growth of microorganisms and cells

4.2

Inoculate media aseptically, applying techniques suitable for purpose of culture

4.3

Incubate inoculated media in conditions to optimise growth of organisms and cells

4.4

Subculture on suitable media to optimise production of pure cultures

5

Perform procedures that can assist in the identification of microorganisms

5.1

Select staining techniques to demonstrate required cellular characteristics

5.2

Stain prepared films to demonstrate diagnostically useful characteristics

5.3

Inoculate and incubate media with pure cultures to assist in the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms

5.4

Perform tests on pure cultures to assist in the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms

5.5

Perform antibiotic sensitivity testing, if required

6

Estimate the number and/or size of micro-organisms in samples

6.1

Count cells in undiluted samples to indicate the dilution necessary to reliably count organisms in culture

6.2

Prepare serial dilutions of samples aseptically for culture and colony counting

6.3

Count colonies for calculating number of viable organisms per unit volume

6.4

Count microorganisms in samples and cultures using spectrometric and electronic methodologies, where relevant

6.5

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, where relevant

7

Maintain records of laboratory work

7.1

Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required

7.2

Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checklists

7.3

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

Required Skills and Knowledge

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Receive samples and process associated request forms

1.1

Check samples and request form details before they are accepted

1.2

Return samples and request forms that do not comply with requirements to source with reasons for non-acceptance

1.3

Log samples, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody

1.4

Distribute samples for local testing or dispatch samples to other testing facilities

1.5

Store samples appropriately where testing or transport is to be delayed

2

Prepare for safe microbiological work and aseptic applications

2.1

Select work area and equipment required for the safe handling of materials that may contain microorganisms of specified risk groups

2.2

Wear protective apparel, replacing it when contamination is suspected

2.3

Apply correct disinfection procedures to work areas before and after use

2.4

Locate relevant emergency equipment for timely response to microbiological accidents

2.5

Apply standard precautions when handling biological materials

2.6

Minimise the production and release of aerosols, using biological safety cabinets where necessary

2.7

Clean spills, and report all spills and suspected incidents to supervisor

2.8

Wash hands before and after laboratory work and when contamination is suspected

2.9

Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures

3

Process samples for direct examination

3.1

Prepare thin smears of samples for subsequent staining to enable microscopic identification of cells

3.2

Prepare liquid films of specimens for direct observation for motility or cell structure

3.3

Prepare samples to concentrate material for subsequent staining or microscopy

4

Prepare pure cultures for microbiological work and aseptic applications

4.1

Select culture media to maximise growth of microorganisms and cells

4.2

Inoculate media aseptically, applying techniques suitable for purpose of culture

4.3

Incubate inoculated media in conditions to optimise growth of organisms and cells

4.4

Subculture on suitable media to optimise production of pure cultures

5

Perform procedures that can assist in the identification of microorganisms

5.1

Select staining techniques to demonstrate required cellular characteristics

5.2

Stain prepared films to demonstrate diagnostically useful characteristics

5.3

Inoculate and incubate media with pure cultures to assist in the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms

5.4

Perform tests on pure cultures to assist in the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms

5.5

Perform antibiotic sensitivity testing, if required

6

Estimate the number and/or size of micro-organisms in samples

6.1

Count cells in undiluted samples to indicate the dilution necessary to reliably count organisms in culture

6.2

Prepare serial dilutions of samples aseptically for culture and colony counting

6.3

Count colonies for calculating number of viable organisms per unit volume

6.4

Count microorganisms in samples and cultures using spectrometric and electronic methodologies, where relevant

6.5

Estimate and document uncertainty of measurement in accordance with workplace procedures, where relevant

7

Maintain records of laboratory work

7.1

Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required

7.2

Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checklists

7.3

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

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) microbiological tests/procedures for the culturing, isolating, identifying and counting microorganisms

consistently and accurately describing different bacterial colony forms on common media

preparing and staining thin smears and preparing liquid films

estimating the number and size of microorganisms in samples

selecting, inoculating and incubating culture media

performing biochemical and immunological identification tests on pure cultures to assist in the of microorganisms

not contaminating self, other people, the work area, equipment or the samples or materials under test

not contaminating media or reagents during manipulations involving the transfer of cultures

identifying artefacts or image aberrations attributable to misalignment or obstruction of light paths or condensers used in microscopy, or with other steps in microscopic examinations

consistently and accurately performing Gram staining of bacteria

accurately and concisely preparing data and documentation that is in accordance with workplace requirements

reporting all incidents or accidents

disinfecting any spillages and safely disposing of all contaminated materials

decontaminating the work area upon completion of work.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

microbiological terminology, including bacteriology, parasitology, virology and mycology

disinfection and sterilisation as applied to practical aspects of microbiology

microbial diversity

microorganisms of importance in medicine, in production of foods and other manufactured goods, and in assessment of the natural environment

cell biology and chemistry related to laboratory phenomena, such as growth and isolation of organisms for identification

microbial genetics

rationale for sample dilution when preparing materials for enumerating organisms and other pure culture work (e.g. Most Probable Number (MPN) technique)

need for accurate identification of sample source (e.g. body, specimen, process line and field location)

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

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, guidelines and codes covering laboratory safety; competence of testing and calibration laboratories; occupational protective equipment; labelling of workplace substances; storage, handling and transport of dangerous goods; environmental management; physical containment levels and facility types; and safety cabinets

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, and national measurement regulations and guidelines

specific codes, guidelines and methods covering microbiological procedures, and small scale genetic manipulation work in accordance with gene technology regulations

workplace documents, such as SOPs; quality procedures; equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation, containment and safe disposal procedures; cleaning, hygiene and personal hygiene requirements

instructions to comply with new legislation, standards, guidelines and codes

sampling procedures (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal)

test procedures (validated and authorised)

schematics, work flows and laboratory layouts

Communication

Communication includes interactions with one or more of:

supervisors and managers (laboratory, quality and customer service)

personnel in other laboratories in the workplace or in other workplaces to which work may be referred

customers, patients and clients

external auditors and accreditation agencies (e.g. National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA))

Safe work practices

Safe work practices include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

ensuring access to service shut-off points

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs

labelling of samples, reagents, aliquoted samples and hazardous materials

handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer instructions

identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions

cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas regularly using workplace procedures

using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls and gowns

using containment facilities (e.g. PCII, PCIII and PCIV physical containment laboratories), containment equipment (e.g. biohazard containers, laminar flow cabinets, Class I, II and III biohazard cabinets) and containment procedures

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

applying standard precautions relating to the potential infectivity of samples and materials presented for laboratory processing

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