NTISthis.com

Evidence Guide: MSL975003A - Perform histological 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

 

MSL975003A - Perform histological tests

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

Process specimens and associated request forms

  1. Check and match specimens and request forms before they are accepted
  2. Return specimens and request forms that do not comply with requirements to their source with reasons for non-acceptance
  3. Process routine and non-routine specimens according to enterprise protocols
  4. Log acceptable specimens, applying required document tracking mechanisms
  5. Dispatch specimens to referral laboratories as required
  6. Store specimens appropriately until required for testing
Check and match specimens and request forms before they are accepted

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process routine and non-routine specimens according to enterprise protocols

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Log acceptable specimens, applying required document tracking mechanisms

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dispatch specimens to referral laboratories as required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store specimens appropriately until required for testing

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare specimens for cut-up

  1. Arrange tissues and request forms in cut-up area
  2. Label tissue cassettes as required to maintain identity during subsequent procedures
  3. Prepare containers for transport of tissues to processor
  4. Select tissue fixative to prepare tissue for subsequent procedures
  5. Weigh organs and count tissue chips and shavings
  6. Take notes of gross features of specimens during cut-up if required
Arrange tissues and request forms in cut-up area

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Label tissue cassettes as required to maintain identity during subsequent procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare containers for transport of tissues to processor

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select tissue fixative to prepare tissue for subsequent procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weigh organs and count tissue chips and shavings

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take notes of gross features of specimens during cut-up if required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Process tissue

  1. Select processor program and reagents
  2. Inspect processor reagents for deterioration and adequate volume
  3. Follow processing requirements for non-routine techniques, including histochemistry
  4. Monitor processor regularly during processing sequence where appropriate
Select processor program and reagents

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspect processor reagents for deterioration and adequate volume

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Follow processing requirements for non-routine techniques, including histochemistry

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monitor processor regularly during processing sequence where appropriate

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embed tissue

  1. Select embedding medium that is compatible with infiltrating agent
  2. Check that temperature of embedding medium is suitable for embedding process
  3. Check that volume of embedding medium is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load
  4. Embed tissue in correct orientation
  5. Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues
  6. Allow block to solidify according to requirements of embedding medium
Select embedding medium that is compatible with infiltrating agent

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check that temperature of embedding medium is suitable for embedding process

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check that volume of embedding medium is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embed tissue in correct orientation

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Allow block to solidify according to requirements of embedding medium

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cut tissue sections

  1. Check that flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use
  2. Prepare microtome and associated equipment to accommodate requirements of tissue batch
  3. Secure block in microtome following specified safety procedures
  4. Label required number of microscope slides with patient identification as prescribed by enterprise
  5. Cut tissue sections according to needs of subsequent procedures
  6. Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues
  7. Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches that on block
  8. Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues
  9. Maintain tissue sections in conditions compatible with intended subsequent procedures
Check that flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare microtome and associated equipment to accommodate requirements of tissue batch

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Secure block in microtome following specified safety procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Label required number of microscope slides with patient identification as prescribed by enterprise

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cut tissue sections according to needs of subsequent procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches that on block

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain tissue sections in conditions compatible with intended subsequent procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stain tissue sections

  1. Apply staining procedures to demonstrate required morphological features
  2. Prepare labile reagents for immediate use
  3. Select reagents for specified technique, ensuring reagent sequence matches standard procedure
  4. Stain sections according to method accommodating any authorised variations and applying required quality control
  5. Mount slides using medium compatible with staining technique
  6. Examine sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes are achieved and procedural artefacts are detected
  7. Confirm macroscopically or microscopically that tissue type conforms with labelling and pathologist specifications
  8. Participate in final check to establish that the number of slides tallies with the worksheet
  9. Attach permanent label giving specimen details as required by enterprise
Apply staining procedures to demonstrate required morphological features

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare labile reagents for immediate use

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select reagents for specified technique, ensuring reagent sequence matches standard procedure

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stain sections according to method accommodating any authorised variations and applying required quality control

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mount slides using medium compatible with staining technique

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Examine sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes are achieved and procedural artefacts are detected

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Confirm macroscopically or microscopically that tissue type conforms with labelling and pathologist specifications

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Participate in final check to establish that the number of slides tallies with the worksheet

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attach permanent label giving specimen details as required by enterprise

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contribute to efficient provision of histological services

  1. Monitor and maintain resources for pathologists in cut-up area
  2. Liaise with clinical and nursing staff if required by enterprise regarding tissue fixative requirements in areas, such as wards, theatres and mortuary
  3. Monitor and maintain volumes of fixatives in areas, such as wards, theatres and mortuary
  4. Store slides and blocks according to legal and enterprise requirements under conditions that prevent degeneration
Monitor and maintain resources for pathologists in cut-up area

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liaise with clinical and nursing staff if required by enterprise regarding tissue fixative requirements in areas, such as wards, theatres and mortuary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monitor and maintain volumes of fixatives in areas, such as wards, theatres and mortuary

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store slides and blocks according to legal and enterprise requirements under conditions that prevent degeneration

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain a safe environment

  1. Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
  2. Handle non-fixed tissues safely to minimise cross-infection and contamination of personnel and environment
  3. Store fixed tissues as specified to minimise exposure of personnel to dangerous fumes and vapours
  4. Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment from contamination
  5. Minimise the generation of wastes
  6. Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with enterprise procedures
Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Handle non-fixed tissues safely to minimise cross-infection and contamination of personnel and environment

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Store fixed tissues as specified to minimise exposure of personnel to dangerous fumes and vapours

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment from contamination

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise the generation of wastes

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain laboratory records

  1. Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required
  2. File and store tissue sections to facilitate efficient retrieval as required
  3. Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checks
  4. Maintain confidentiality and security of all clinical information, and 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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

File and store tissue sections to facilitate efficient retrieval as required

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checks

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

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

Assessors should ensure that candidates can:

perform manual and automated histological tests and procedures

prepare, safely store and dispose of stains and reagents

cut paraffin embedded sections, free of wrinkles, scores and folds, at the specified thickness to demonstrate tissue and cellular structures, granules, inclusions and organelles,as required

cut and stain frozen sections at the specified thickness to demonstrate tissue and cellular structures and inclusions as required

stain paraffin embedded sections to demonstrate normal and abnormal tissue structure

perform specialised staining, for example, to demonstrate connective tissue, musclestriations, central nervous system, glands, basement membrane, micro-organisms, pigments and deposits

perform histochemical stains, for example to demonstrate carbohydrates, amyloid and mucins

perform specialised techniques, such as polarising microscopy, fluorescent staining and use of microwave ovens in histopathology

perform basic immunohistochemical staining

cover slip slides, ensuring that no air bubbles are formed and material is preserved for the life of the slide

label slides clearly with case, specimen and stain details

recognise problems in systems and documentation, and troubleshoot under direction and/or where appropriate

use the enterprise information system efficiently

critically analyse information in enterprise documents

prepare documentation that is accurate, concise and in accordance with enterprise requirements

manage tasks and organise work to ensure the timely completion of tasks

use samples, reagents and materials economically and disposes of wastes safely

use equipment safely

maintain equipment, recording and reporting malfunctions appropriately.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace environment.

This unit of competency may be assessed with:

MSL934002A Apply quality systems and continuous improvement processes.

Resources may include:

standard histology/laboratory with relevant equipment, samples and reagents

enterprise procedures, test methods and equipment manuals.

Under duty of care requirements, off-the-job training providers will only use samples and organisms of a risk category compatible with their laboratory as defined in AS/NZS 2243.3.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

inspection of stained tissue sections/slides prepared by the candidate

feedback from peers and supervisors

observation of candidate performing tests and procedures, such as:

preparation of microtome for cutting, cutting blemish free sections, successful flotation and pickup of section

staining tissues to demonstrate tissue structures and cell components as required

morphological identification of tissues, such as epithelial, muscle, central nervous and glandular

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

This competency in practice

Industry representatives have provided the case study below to illustrate the practical application of this unit of competency and to show its relevance in a workplace setting.

Biomedical

In preparation for cutting some sections, a technical officer followed standard procedures. This involved checking the flotation bath temperature, checking the surface of the bath for cleanliness, inserting the microtome knife and checking the angle of the knife. They referred to the worksheet to confirm the number of slides required per patient and then labelled slides accordingly. They then proceeded with section cutting, carefully observing the safety protocols. They ensured that as the sections were picked up from the flotation bath, the patient identification on the slides and the block matched. They then cleaned the surface of the bath to prevent cross-contamination of samples between patients. The technical officer's care and diligence in performing these procedures ensured that specimen integrity was maintained.

Required Skills and Knowledge

Required skills

Required skills include:

manual and automated histological tests and procedures

preparing, storing and disposing of stains and reagents

cutting paraffin embedded sections

cutting and staining frozen sections

staining paraffin embedded sections to demonstrate normal and abnormal tissue structure

specialised staining(e.g. to demonstrate connective tissue)

histochemical staining(e.g. to demonstrate carbohydrates)

polarising microscopy

fluorescent staining

immunohistochemical staining

recognising problems in systems and documentation, and troubleshooting under direction and/or where appropriate

using the enterprise information system

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

managing tasks and organising work to ensure the timely completion of tasks

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

working safely

maintaining equipment

Required knowledge

Required knowledge includes:

terminology used to communicate issues that relate to underpinning normal and abnormal anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and immunology

relationship between strict adherence to enterprise procedures during each step and the maintenance of specimen integrity

relevant health, safety and environment requirements, particularly those related to handling irritating, volatile, flammable and potentially carcinogenic substances, such as formaldehyde, xylene, histoclear, ethanol and chloroform

importance of recognising the uniqueness of patient histological tissues (a non-renewable resource)

relationship of the anatomy and morphology of tissue types and the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of stained sections

chemistry of fixatives and their role in retaining size and spatial relationships in tissues and in preventing autolysis and putrefaction

relationship between the tissue components to be demonstrated and the choice of fixatives and fixation procedures, such as microwave fixation, processing and staining techniques

chemistry of dehydration and rehydration of tissues during processing and staining

relationship between correct orientation of the tissue during embedding and ability to cut sections from surface required for subsequent microscopic examination

correlation between poorly maintained processing reagents and resultant tissue blocks being difficult to cut or unsuitable for cutting

properties of the embedding medium

labile nature and chemistry of stains and the importance of correct preparation and storage to ensure required staining outcome

chemical interaction between the tissues and the various staining procedures implemented, including histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures (that is, reasons why the stains work)

effects of the presence of artefacts in sections on microscopic examination of tissues

Range Statement

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.

Codes of practice

Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:

Australian and international standards, such as:

AS 2252 Biological safety cabinets

AS ISO 17025-2005 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories

AS/NZS 2243 Set:2006 Safety in laboratories set

AS/NZS 2982.1:1997 Laboratory design and construction - General requirements

AS/NZS ISO 14000 Set:2005 Environmental management standards set

AS/NZS ISO 9000 Set:2008 Quality management systems set

cleaning, hygiene and personal hygiene requirements

enterprise procedures, SOPs and operating manuals

incident and accident/injury reports

instructions to comply with legislation, standards, guidelines and codes

material data safety sheets (MSDS)

medico-legal and laboratory accreditation requirements for traceability of specimens and records

quality system and continued improvement processes

safety requirements for equipment, materials or products

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

schematics, work flows and laboratory layouts

statutory and enterprise occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements

stock records and inventory

test procedures (validated and authorised)

training program contents

waste minimisation, containment, processing and disposal procedures

Equipment, reagents, specimens and systems

Equipment, reagents, specimens and systems may include:

microtomes and microtome knives (non-disposable or disposable)

cryostats for frozen sections

microtome knife sharpeners

embedding centres

flotation baths, drying ovens and microwave ovens

tissue processors

staining and cover slipping machines

microscopes for bright field, phase contrast and fluorescence examinations

volumetric glassware and measuring devices

general laboratory glassware and equipment identified with an anatomical pathology laboratory

reagents, such as formaldehyde, ethanol, xylene, paraffin, picric acid and mercuric chloride

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

Communication

Communication may involve:

supervisors and managers (laboratory, quality and customer service)

other laboratory or clinical personnel (pathologists, nursing staff, pathology registrars, other medical staff and clerical staff)

clients

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

Occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental management requirements

OHS and environmental management requirements:

all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time

all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of samples and require standard precautions to be applied

where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health