Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare for safe microbiological work using aseptic techniques
- Select work area, equipment and instructions for the safe handling of materials that may contain microorganisms
- Wear personal protective apparel
- Select relevant emergency equipment for timely response to microbiological accidents
- Apply correct disinfection procedures to work areas before and after use
- Apply standard precautions when handling biological materials
- Process microbiological samples and undertake microscopy
- Prepare thin smears of samples and stain
- Prepare liquid films of specimens for direct observation
- Concentrate relevant samples to facilitate microscopy
- Set up stereo and compound microscopes and identify causes of variations in image quality
- Examine dry, wet and stained microbiological specimens
- Clean and store microscopes
- Apply aseptic techniques correctly to cultivate and isolate microorganisms
- Prepare media for culturing cells
- Perform aseptic transfers of microorganisms to prepared liquid and solid media
- Streak bacteria onto media plates to isolate single colonies using aseptic technique
- Select temperature conditions and gaseous environments suitable for the growth of a range of common microorganisms
- Estimate the number of microorganisms in food and water samples
- Perform and interpret tests to assist in the identification of common bacterial genera
- Apply quality assurance procedures commonly used in a food testing laboratory
- Interpret the results of laboratory testing and relate to the production plan