Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to administer substances and take tissue and fluid samples for clinical trial project research purposes.
This unit applies to animal technicians who work under broad supervision performing work according to instructions or directed by a supervisor.
All work practices must be undertaken in accordance with legislative requirements, the current Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Code), the organisation's standard operating procedures, and protocols, policies and procedures approved by the organisation's Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). Users are advised to check legislative requirements for their jurisdiction.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Prepare for non-surgical procedures | 1.1 Verify procedures and sample requirements according to legislative and ethical requirements 1.2 Confirm sample methods 1.3 Calculate dose rates for species and individual animals 1.4 Prepare and position required equipment 1.5 Plan procedures to ensure appropriate hygiene or asepsis is achieved and prevent cross-contamination of animals and equipment |
2. Prepare animals for procedure | 2.1 Select animals to meet project requirements 2.2 Handle and restrain animals according to organisational procedures 2.3 Move animals to testing area and prepare for procedure using techniques to minimise stress and discomfort 2.4 Manage work practices to ensure animals are kept in preparation and procedure areas for minimal time |
3. Administer substances to animals | 3.1 Confirm approved substances and dose rates are appropriate for species and individual animals 3.2 Confirm method of administration of substances 3.3 Identify and evaluate risks associated with preparation and administration of substances; practise emergency procedures and implement as required 3.4 Administer substances to animals according to organisational procedures 3.5 Monitor animals for adverse reactions |
4. Collect samples from animals | 4.1 Confirm sampling techniques and sample collection volumes are appropriate for individual animals 4.2 Identify and evaluate hazards in collection process, and practise emergency procedures and respond to emergencies as required 4.3 Collect, process, package and store body fluid and tissue samples using appropriate techniques 4.4 Check samples for suitability and prepare and package according to laboratory and project protocols |
5. Complete post-procedure duties | 5.1 Return animals to housing, and monitor and respond according to organisational procedures, laboratory schedule and project protocol 5.2 Update and store animal and project records in the organisational management system 5.3 Clean procedures area and equipment and dispose of waste according to laboratory protocols and industry standards |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Writing | Complete organisational documentation in relation to non-surgical procedures |
Oral communication | Engage in discussions and/or provide information using appropriate tone, terminology and non-verbal features Use active listening and questioning techniques to confirm understanding and to interact with team members |
Get the work done | Plan and sequence non-surgical procedures, taking into account contingencies, to ensure efficiencies in meeting timelines and work schedules |
Sectors
Animal Technology (ATE)