ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare for microchip implantation

1.1. Statutory and local authority requirements, including current and verifiable professional indemnity and public liability cover for the implanter, are complied with.

1.2. Details of the procedure are explained to the animal owner prior to commencement of the process.

1.3. Location for conducting the microchipping procedure is selected, taking into account likely species behaviour.

1.4. Availability of supervisory veterinarian is confirmed in case of adverse animal reaction to procedure.

1.5. Australian Veterinary Association policy and relevant Australian Standards for implantation and scanning devices are read and followed throughout the process.

2. Prepare equipment

2.1. Implantation equipment is inspected and checked.

2.2. First aid equipment for animals and humans is inspected and prepared for use.

2.3. Electronic reader is selected and checked against a 'reference chip' of known performance.

2.4. Microchip to be implanted is checked to ensure it meets legislative and Australian Standards requirements and scanned for serial number against packaging number.

3. Prepare animal

3.1. Prescribed identifying information is obtained and recorded on the approved form.

3.2. Animal is assessed for likely behavioural problems during the procedure and where unmanageable aggressive tendencies are noted, animal is referred to veterinarian for implantation procedure.

3.3. Details of animal's previous health history are ascertained for possible complications.

3.4. Owner's permission to appropriately restrain the animal if necessary is obtained.

3.5. Protective equipment is used as required.

3.6. Health of animal is visually assessed and signs of ill health identified.

3.7. Animal restraint device is selected and fitted if required.

3.8. Animal is scanned according to legislative and industry practice to check if previous implantation has occurred, and where found, action is in accordance with industry and legislatively approved procedure for previously implanted microchips.

4. Undertake implantation procedure

4.1. Implantation site is checked for abnormalities and owner referred to veterinarian in the event of observed concerns.

4.2. Animal is positioned for implantation taking into account size, species, previous behavioural assessment and relevant occupational health and safety (OHS) risks.

4.3. Injection site between shoulder blades is inspected, prepared aseptically and aseptic technique is used throughout the implantation procedure.

4.4. Sterile pack is opened and needle is attached to the implanting device while maintaining asepsis.

4.5. Skin is grasped and lifted away from the body and needle containing the microchip is inserted subcutaneously at recommended angle limited to the number of attempts permitted as outlined in relevant legislation.

4.6. Microchip is discharged and needle withdrawn and inspected and procedures followed to ensure the chip does not come out.

4.7. Needles are disposed of in an approved sharps container in accordance with relevant waste disposal legislation and regulations.

4.8. Injuries sustained to humans are assessed and first aid treatment provided and/or medical attention sought as required.

4.9. Injuries sustained to animals are assessed and appropriate first aid treatment provided and/or veterinary attention sought as required.

5. Conduct post-implantation procedures

5.1. Implantation site is visually checked and scanned to ensure success of implantation and correct functioning of the microchip.

5.2. Post-implantation advice is provided to owner.

5.3. Animal condition at time of departure is noted and if there are any signs of adverse reactions, veterinary assistance is obtained.

5.4. Processes undertaken by relevant animal registry service are communicated to the owner and distinguished from registering the animal with local government/council.

5.5. Procedure to be followed in the event of loss of animal is provided to owner and importance of maintenance of updated ownership records impressed upon the owner/keeper.

6. Maintain records

6.1. Procedure is recorded using prescribed identifying information, ensuring legibility and signatures and identification number of implanter are included.

6.2. Documentation is forwarded to the relevant animal registry service in accordance with legislative requirements.

6.3. Copy is maintained and filed by implanter in accordance with legislative requirements.