Elements and Performance Criteria
- Embed Tissue
- Perform equipment pre-use check on embedding centre to ensure samples integrity and uninterrupted embedding of processor load
- Identify and prioritise specimens prior to embedding
- Check tissue for complete processing prior to embedding
- Embed tissue types in correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss and artefacts during microtomy
- Select appropriately sized mould
- Apply the use of an embedding run-sheet to check the number of pieces of tissue in each cassette and noting any discrepancies
- Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues
- Embed tissue with embedding orientation markings
- Perform excess wax removal from blocks using manual scrapping and/or heat removal
- Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards
- Apply quality control procedures to troubleshoot discrepancies between run-sheet and tissue embedded
- File and store tissue blocks to facilitate efficient retrieval as required
- Cut tissue sections
- Check that flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use
- Prepare and adjust all external parts of a microtome and associated equipment to accommodate requirements of tissue batch
- Secure block in microtome following specified safety directions
- Orientate the block correctly for each specific tissue in order to maintain sample integrity and minimise artefacts
- Apply microtomy techniques to trim blocks to full face without significant loss of tissue
- Cut thin tissue sections according to needs of subsequent procedures, maintaining sample integrity, minimising artefacts and conserving tissue for further testing
- Float ribbons onto water bath to flatten sections
- Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches what is on block
- Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues
- Compare the blocks and sections ensuring the tissue on slides matches that in the blocks
- Inspect sections and reject any that do not meet quality control standards
- Identify, troubleshoot and resolve common section quality control issues
- Apply quality control procedures to troubleshoot discrepancies between run-sheet and sections on slides
- Prepare specialised tissues
- Prepare blood clot for processing
- Prepare friable /tiny tissue in sponges and/or wrapped to ensure tissue integrity and prevent loss during processing
- Identify and prioritise specimens prior to embedding
- Check tissue for complete processing prior to embedding
- Embed tissue types in correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss and artefacts during microtomy
- Select appropriately sized mould
- Apply the use of an embedding run-sheet to check the number of pieces of tissue in each cassette and noting any discrepancies
- Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues
- Embed tissue with embedding orientation markings
- Perform excess wax removal from blocks using manual scrapping and/or heat removal
- Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards
- Apply quality control procedures to troubleshoot discrepancies between run-sheet and tissue embedded
- File and store tissue blocks to facilitate efficient retrieval as required
- Prepare and adjust all external parts of a microtome and associated equipment to accommodate requirements of tissue batch
- Secure block in microtome following specified safety directions
- Orientate the block correctly for each specific tissue in order to maintain sample integrity and minimise artefacts
- Apply microtomy techniques to trim blocks to full face without significant loss of tissue
- Cut thin tissue sections according to needs of subsequent procedures, maintaining sample integrity, minimising artefacts and conserving tissue for further testing
- Float ribbons onto water bath to flatten sections
- Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches what is on block
- Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues
- Compare the blocks and sections ensuring the tissue on slides matches that in the blocks
- Inspect sections and reject any that do not meet quality control standards
- Identify, troubleshoot and resolve common section quality control issues
- Apply quality control procedures to troubleshoot discrepancies between run-sheet and sections on slides