List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1 | Process specimens and associated request forms | 1.1 | Check and match specimens and request forms before they are accepted |
| 1.2 | Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with requirements, record any discrepancies and indicate what action is required |
| 1.3 | Log acceptable specimens into a laboratory information management system (LIMS) accurately and efficiently, applying required document tracking mechanisms |
| 1.4 | Store specimens appropriately until required for testing |
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2 | Prepare specimens for cut-up | 2.1 | Arrange tissues and request forms in cut-up area |
| 2.2 | Label tissue cassettes as required to maintain identity during subsequent procedures |
| 2.3 | Select tissue fixative to prepare tissue for subsequent procedures |
| 2.4 | Weigh organs and count tissue chips and shavings |
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3 | Process tissue | 3.1 | Select processor program and reagents |
| 3.2 | Perform equipment pre-use checks on the tissue processor to ensure sample integrity is maintained |
| 3.3 | Follow processing requirements for non-routine techniques, including histochemistry |
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4 | Embed tissue | 4.1 | Check that temperature of embedding medium is suitable for embedding process |
| 4.2 | Check that volume of embedding medium is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load |
| 4.3 | Embed tissue types in correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss during microtomy |
| 4.4 | Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues |
| 4.5 | Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards |
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5 | Cut tissue sections | 5.1 | Check that flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use |
| 5.2 | Prepare and adjust all external parts of a microtome and associated equipment to accommodate requirements of tissue batch |
| 5.3 | Secure block in microtome following specified safety directions |
| 5.4 | Orientate the block correctly for each specific tissue to ensure tissue conservation and maintain sample integrity |
| 5.5 | Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements |
| 5.6 | Cut thin tissue sections (4-5μm), according to needs of subsequent procedures, maintaining sample integrity and conserving tissue for further testing |
| 5.7 | Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues |
| 5.8 | Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches that on block |
| 5.9 | Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues |
| 5.10 | Maintain tissue sections in conditions compatible with intended subsequent procedures |
| | 5.11 | Compare the blocks and sections ensuring the tissue on slides matches that in the blocks |
| | 5.12 | Inspect sections and reject any that do not meet quality control standards |
| | 513 | Identify, troubleshoot and resolve common section quality control issues |
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6 | Stain tissue sections | 6.1 | Apply staining procedures to demonstrate required morphological features |
| 6.2 | Prepare labile reagents for immediate use |
| 6.3 | Select reagents for specified technique, ensuring reagent sequence matches standard procedure |
| 6.4 | Stain sections according to method using the required quality control section and accommodating any authorised variations |
| 6.5 | Mount slides using medium compatible with staining technique |
| 6.6 | Examine control sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes are achieved and procedural artefacts are detected |
| 6.7 | Confirm macroscopically or microscopically that tissues on all slides conform with the expected characteristics of that case |
| 6.8 | Participate in final check to establish that the number of slides tallies with the worksheet |
| 6.9 | Attach permanent label giving specimen details as required by workplace |
| 6.10 | Confirm microscopically that the type/disease is appropriate and still present in the control sections for each stain |
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7 | Maintain a safe environment | 7.1 | Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel |
| 7.2 | Handle non-fixed tissues safely to minimise cross-infection and contamination of personnel and environment |
| 7.3 | Store fixed tissues as specified to minimise exposure of personnel to dangerous fumes and vapours |
| 7.4 | Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment from contamination |
| 7.5 | Minimise the generation of wastes |
| 7.6 | Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures |
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8 | Maintain laboratory records | 8.1 | Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required |
| 8.2 | Complete control stain quality assessment forms to report quality control outcomes |
| 8.3 | File and store tissue sections to facilitate efficient retrieval as required |
| 8.4 | Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checks |
| 8.5 | Maintain confidentiality and security of all clinical information, and 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:
performing tests and procedures associated with processing and staining tissues for examination of tissue structure to assist with disease diagnosis
registering at least fifteen (15) samples into a laboratory information management system (LIMS), (or simulated to reflect an actual LIMS) with 100 % accuracy identifying specimens and requesting forms that do not comply with minimum industry requirements for labelling, identification and test requests
entering each sample to the LIMS within five minutes
recording discrepancies and indicating what level of action is required, i.e. record only, contact submitter, continue testing or halt testing or return sample to their source with reasons for non-acceptance
performing manual and automated histological tests and procedures
preparing, safely storing and disposing of stains and reagents
embedding tissue types to meet quality control standards with correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss in microtomy
embedding at least six (6) tissue types, including:
large tissues
small tissues
multiple core biopsies in a single block
epithelial tissue such as skin or tongue
trachea
bone
inspecting and re-embedding blocks that do not meet quality control standards
cutting at least forty (40) paraffin embedded sections, from at least five (5) different tissue types free of wrinkles, scores and folds, at the specified thickness to demonstrate tissue and cellular structures, granules, inclusions and organelles. The complete surface of the tissue must be present on all slides with the remaining tissue in the block conserved for future testing
staining at least five (5) routine paraffin embedded sections from at least five (5) different tissue types to demonstrate tissue structure using a regressive Haematoxylin and Eosin stain over at least three (3) separate occasions. All stained sections must pass industry quality control standards that would allow for diagnosis and results to be issued
using at least four (4) different specialised stains over at least two (2) occasions using positive control tissues, for example, to demonstrate connective tissue, muscle striations, central nervous system, glands, basement membrane, microorganisms, pigments and deposits
using at least two (2) different histochemical stains over at least two (2) occasions using positive control tissues, stains, for example to demonstrate carbohydrates, amyloid and mucins
performing specialised techniques, including polarising microscopy and use of microwave ovens in histopathology
cover slipping slides, ensuring that no air bubbles are formed and material is preserved for the life of the slide
labelling slides clearly with case, specimen and stain details
approving or preventing the release of patient stained slides to pathologists based on an assessment of quality control sections
recognising problems whilst performing procedures and troubleshooting under direction
using the workplace LIMS efficiently
reviewing workplace documentation to identify errors or procedural gaps and suggesting improvements
preparing documentation that is accurate, concise and in accordance with workplace requirements
managing tasks and organising work to ensure the timely completion of tasks
using samples, reagents and materials economically and disposing of wastes safely
using equipment safely.
Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:
terminology used to describe tissue components being stained, these may be anatomical, physiological, biochemical or immunological, depending on the expected staining outcomes
the relationship between strict adherence to workplace procedures during each step and the maintenance of specimen integrity
workplace and legal traceability requirements
purpose of and processes involved in surgical cut-up and the factors involved that directly impact on ability to perform histology work
requirements for ensuring uninterrupted efficient operation of a cut-up area
importance of recognising the uniqueness of patient histological tissues (a non-renewable resource)
purpose of and processes for frozen sections
functions of the components of a rotary microtome
relationship of the anatomy and morphology of tissue types and the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of stained sections
types of fixatives and their role in retaining size and spatial relationships in tissues and in preventing autolysis and putrefaction
relationship between the tissue types and components to be demonstrated and the choice of fixation procedures, processing schedules and staining techniques
relationship between correct orientation of the tissue during embedding and microtomy and ability to cut quality sections and conserve the tissue
correlation between poorly maintained processing reagents and resultant tissue blocks being difficult to cut or unsuitable for cutting
properties of embedding mediums
labile nature and chemistry of stains and the importance of correct preparation and storage to ensure required staining outcome
effects of the presence of artefacts in sections on microscopic examination of tissues
purpose of and processes involved in tissue processing and routine Haematoxylin and Eosin staining methods
purpose of staining procedures implemented, including histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures (why they are used and what components they demonstrate)
basic biological principles and concepts behind the steps involved in immunohistochemical staining procedures
relationship between correct differentiation, and the ability to produce quality stained slides and troubleshoot staining issues
equipment maintenance requirements and consequences if maintenance is not done
work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements, particularly those related to labelling, handling, storing and spill clean-up of irritating, volatile, flammable and potentially carcinogenic substances.
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:
MSL934002 Apply quality systems and continuous improvement processes
Holistic assessment methods include:
inspection of stained tissue sections/slides prepared by the candidate
feedback from supervisors
observation of candidate performing tests and procedures, such as:
preparation of microtome for cutting, cutting blemish free sections, successful flotation and pick-up 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 to assess required knowledge.
Access is required to instruments, equipment, materials, workplace documentation, procedures and specifications associated with this unit, including, but not limited to:
a standard histology laboratory with relevant equipment, samples and reagents; and computer information systems, databases, record and filing systems, including specimen accessioning
workplace 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 Set:2006 Safety in laboratories.
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.