This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform complex laboratory testing of samples that may be used as forensic evidence. Competency includes the ability to establish client needs for routine and non-routine forensic samples, select suitable techniques and methods and modify them if required, obtain valid and reliable data, and report test results. Personnel are required to recognise atypical test data/results, troubleshoot common analytical procedure and equipment problems and ensure all testing and reporting meets judicial requirements.

This unit applies to technical officers working in all industry sectors and government agencies, such as food, forensic, medical and environmental laboratories. The term forensic is used to describe tests which may have legal implications, such as those used to verify claims for insurance companies.

Complex forensic laboratory tests are non-routine and may require the development of new or modified methods. They require a high degree of analytical skill and knowledge, or practical experience required to perform the analysis and interpret the results. Complex forensic tests include all forms of comparative, evaluative, analytical and optical (visual) methods and techniques. They can be performed on specialised analytical instruments and include tests such as DNA profiling, gunshot residue analysis using scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), identification of accelerant residue samples from arson attacks using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and explosive residue analysis.

All operations and analytical methods must comply with relevant standards, appropriate procedures and/or workplace requirements. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technical officer will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that clearly describe the scope of permitted practice, including modifying workplace/test procedures and communicating results to people outside the laboratory.

No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.

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Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice	Yes	No	Comments/feedback
Perform laboratory examination in accordance with validated technique or method on standards, validation checks and samples
Conduct sufficient testing to obtain reliable data
Perform tests according to workplace requirements for timeframe and cost
Troubleshoot technique or method problems which have led to atypical data or results
Obtain evidential material/samples following accepted chain of custody procedures
Obtain a representative analytical portion of the sample
Perform laboratory examination in accordance with validated technique or method on standards, validation checks and samples
Confirm data is the result of valid measurements
Identify risks, hazards, safety equipment and control measures associated with sample handling, preparation and analytical method
Enter approved data and results into laboratory information management system (LIMS) according to workplace quality system and judicial requirements

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL975053 - Perform complex laboratory testing of forensic samples

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Assessment Record Sheet

MSL975053 - Perform complex laboratory testing of forensic samples

Student name:

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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