Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

MSL975003 Mapping and Delivery Guide
Perform histological tests

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency MSL975003 - Perform histological tests
Description
Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit of competency covers the ability to perform tests and procedures associated with processing and staining tissues for examination of tissue structure and abnormalities by pathologists and scientists to assist with disease diagnosis. The unit covers tests and procedures that are associated with anatomical pathology and may involve the use of automated processors and staining machines. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory technicians and technical officers in the biomedical sector. The unit principally refers to techniques performed on human tissues, but many aspects may be relevant to animal and plant tissues. This unit of competency assumes that the technical officer would perform tests and procedures under the close supervision of scientific and/or medical staff. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures, quality control procedures, interpretation of data, and for communicating test results to people outside the laboratory. Technical workers may need to interrupt their routine work in order to assist with or perform procedures to facilitate rapid diagnosis of specimens from patients in the operating theatre. The involvement of the technical officer in mortuary work will be determined by the workplace. Work of this nature will always be closely supervised by scientific/medical staff.While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.

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.
Prerequisites/co-requisites
Competency Field Testing
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Process specimens and associated request forms
  • Check and match specimens and request forms before they are accepted
  • Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with requirements, record any discrepancies and indicate what action is required
  • Log acceptable specimens into a laboratory information management system (LIMS) accurately and efficiently, applying required document tracking mechanisms
  • Store specimens appropriately until required for testing
       
Element: Prepare specimens for cut-up
  • Arrange tissues and request forms in cut-up area
  • Label tissue cassettes as required to maintain identity during subsequent procedures
  • Select tissue fixative to prepare tissue for subsequent procedures
  • Weigh organs and count tissue chips and shavings
       
Element: Process tissue
  • Select processor program and reagents
  • Perform equipment pre-use checks on the tissue processor to ensure sample integrity is maintained
  • Follow processing requirements for non-routine techniques, including histochemistry
       
Element: Embed tissue
  • Check that temperature of embedding medium is suitable for embedding process
  • Check that volume of embedding medium is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load
  • Embed tissue types in correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss during microtomy
  • Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues
  • Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards
       
Element: 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 to ensure tissue conservation and maintain sample integrity
  • Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements
  • Cut thin tissue sections (4-5μm), according to needs of subsequent procedures, maintaining sample integrity and conserving tissue for further testing
  • Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues
  • Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches that on block
  • Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues
  • Maintain tissue sections in conditions compatible with intended subsequent procedures
  • 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
       
Element: Identify, troubleshoot and resolve common section quality control issues
       
Element: Stain tissue sections
  • Apply staining procedures to demonstrate required morphological features
  • Prepare labile reagents for immediate use
  • Select reagents for specified technique, ensuring reagent sequence matches standard procedure
  • Stain sections according to method using the required quality control section and accommodating any authorised variations
  • Mount slides using medium compatible with staining technique
  • Examine control sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes are achieved and procedural artefacts are detected
  • Confirm macroscopically or microscopically that tissues on all slides conform with the expected characteristics of that case
  • Participate in final check to establish that the number of slides tallies with the worksheet
  • Attach permanent label giving specimen details as required by workplace
  • Confirm microscopically that the type/disease is appropriate and still present in the control sections for each stain
       
Element: Maintain a safe environment
  • Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
  • Handle non-fixed tissues safely to minimise cross-infection and contamination of personnel and environment
  • Store fixed tissues as specified to minimise exposure of personnel to dangerous fumes and vapours
  • Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment from contamination
  • Minimise the generation of wastes
  • Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures
       
Element: Maintain laboratory records
  • Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required
  • Complete control stain quality assessment forms to report quality control outcomes
  • File and store tissue sections to facilitate efficient retrieval as required
  • Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checks
  • Maintain confidentiality and security of all clinical information, and laboratory data and records
       


Evidence Required

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements

Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of:

Australian and international standards, guidelines and codes covering laboratory safety, competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory design and construction, occupational protective equipment; labelling of workplace substances, storage and handling of dangerous goods, physical containment levels and facility types, safety cabinets, quality and environmental management

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice

specific codes, guidelines and methods, such as medico-legal and laboratory accreditation requirements for traceability of specimens and records

workplace documents, such as SOPs; quality procedures; equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation, containment, processing and safe disposal procedures; cleaning, hygiene and personal hygiene requirements

instructions to comply with new legislation, standards, guidelines and codes

sampling procedures (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal)

test procedures (validated and authorised)

schematics, work flows, and laboratory stock records and inventory

Communication

Communication involves interactions with one or more of:

supervisors and managers (laboratory, quality and customer service)

clients, including other laboratory or clinical personnel (pathologists, nursing staff, pathology registrars, other medical staff and clerical staff)

Safe work practices

Safe work practices include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

ensuring access to service shut-off points

recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs

labelling of samples, reagents, aliquoted samples and hazardous materials

handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer instructions

identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions

cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas regularly using workplace procedures

using PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls and gowns

using containment facilities (e.g. PCII, PCIII and PCIV physical containment laboratories), containment equipment (e.g. biohazard containers, laminar flow cabinets, Class I, II and III biohazard cabinets) and containment procedures

WHS and environmental management requirements

WHS and environmental management requirements include:

complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time

· applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples

accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Check and match specimens and request forms before they are accepted 
Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with requirements, record any discrepancies and indicate what action is required 
Log acceptable specimens into a laboratory information management system (LIMS) accurately and efficiently, applying required document tracking mechanisms 
Store specimens appropriately until required for testing 
Arrange tissues and request forms in cut-up area 
Label tissue cassettes as required to maintain identity during subsequent procedures 
Select tissue fixative to prepare tissue for subsequent procedures 
Weigh organs and count tissue chips and shavings 
Select processor program and reagents 
Perform equipment pre-use checks on the tissue processor to ensure sample integrity is maintained 
Follow processing requirements for non-routine techniques, including histochemistry 
Check that temperature of embedding medium is suitable for embedding process 
Check that volume of embedding medium is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load 
Embed tissue types in correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss during microtomy 
Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues 
Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards 
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 to ensure tissue conservation and maintain sample integrity 
Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements 
Cut thin tissue sections (4-5μm), according to needs of subsequent procedures, maintaining sample integrity and conserving tissue for further testing 
Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues 
Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches that on block 
Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues 
Maintain tissue sections in conditions compatible with intended subsequent procedures 
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 
 
Apply staining procedures to demonstrate required morphological features 
Prepare labile reagents for immediate use 
Select reagents for specified technique, ensuring reagent sequence matches standard procedure 
Stain sections according to method using the required quality control section and accommodating any authorised variations 
Mount slides using medium compatible with staining technique 
Examine control sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes are achieved and procedural artefacts are detected 
Confirm macroscopically or microscopically that tissues on all slides conform with the expected characteristics of that case 
Participate in final check to establish that the number of slides tallies with the worksheet 
Attach permanent label giving specimen details as required by workplace 
Confirm microscopically that the type/disease is appropriate and still present in the control sections for each stain 
Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 
Handle non-fixed tissues safely to minimise cross-infection and contamination of personnel and environment 
Store fixed tissues as specified to minimise exposure of personnel to dangerous fumes and vapours 
Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment from contamination 
Minimise the generation of wastes 
Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures 
Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required 
Complete control stain quality assessment forms to report quality control outcomes 
File and store tissue sections to facilitate efficient retrieval as required 
Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checks 
Maintain confidentiality and security of all clinical information, and laboratory data and records 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

MSL975003 - Perform histological tests
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

MSL975003 - Perform histological tests

Student name:

Student ID:

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

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: