Application
Work performed requires a broad knowledge base and the ability to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems Individuals will take responsibility for their own outputs and limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of output of others All tasks are conducted in accordance with organisation policies and procedures including OHS and infection control guidelines |
Prerequisites
Not Applicable
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Ensure suitability of donor | 1.1 Check consent for tissue removal 1.2 Confirm details of tissue removal 1.3 Use personal protective equipment correctly 1.4 Ensure aseptic techniques are followed 1.5 Undertake external examination of body in order to confirm identify and suitability of donor 1.6 Undertake tests to ensure suitability of donor 1.7 Assess medical and social history to ensure suitability of donor |
2. Prepare for retrieval | 2.1 Notify retrieval team 2.2 Liaise with medical officer as appropriate 2.3 Obtain and prepare relevant equipment and consumable items |
3 Retrieve tissue | 3.1 Eviscerate body following medical officer's instructions and in line with consent and legislative requirements 3.2 Follow aseptic techniques 3.3 Obtain specialist tissues for testing eg brain for CJD 3.4 Reconstruct, clean and restore body to acceptable condition for viewing 3.5 Prepare body for storage and return for refrigeration storage |
4 Package and store tissue | 4.1 Collect samples for micro contamination testing of tissues 4.2 Pack tissue on collection 4.3 Store tissue as per the relevant standards |
5. Clean autopsy room | 5.1 Clean equipment and store safely 5.2 Sterilise equipment as required 5.3 Clean work area according to infection control policy and procedures 5.4 Dispose of waste safely and in accordance with organisation policy and procedures |
Required Skills
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit. |
Essential knowledge: The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role This includes knowledge of: Anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to the role of the Mortuary Technician undertaking special autopsy techniques Cleaning techniques Common infection and other risks associated with autopsy procedures Modes of infectious disease transmission Principles of photography Relevant basic medical terminology Relevant organisation policies and procedures Workplace occupational health and safety in a mortuary |
Essential skills: It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role This includes the ability to: Correctly and safely dispose of clinical and other wastes Correctly label, identify and transport tissues Effectively communicate with medical officer performing autopsy Follow correct documentation procedures for organ retention, specimen recording and for photography Follow infection control and OHS policy and procedures Follow organisation waste management practices, taking into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues Follow safe working procedures during autopsies Operate medical imaging equipment effectively Perform special autopsy techniques Remove spine and bone marrow Remove tissues Use accurate dissection techniques Use autopsy equipment correctly and safely Use body reconstruction and restoration techniques following autopsy Use correct knife sharpening techniques Use numeracy skills including the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, and undertake measurements of volumes and weight Use oral communication skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in: asking questions providing clear information listening to and understanding workplace instructions clarifying workplace instructions when necessary using effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons Use personal protective equipment correctly Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill of skill that includes: reading workplace policy and procedure manuals documenting administrative and clinical information Use problem solving skills required including an ability to use available resources and manage a daily routine |
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package. | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit: | The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible |
Context of and specific resources for assessment: | Access to an autopsy room where assessment can take place Autopsy equipment Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols Relevant legislative requirements |
Method of assessment | Observation in the work place (if possible) Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice |
Access and equity considerations: | All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities |
Related units: | This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related unit: HLTMT304C Assist with autopsy |
Range Statement
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts. | |
Consent for tissue removal includes: | Senior available next of kin approval Specification of tissue to be collected, such as: bone eye skin Sign off by designated officer |
Suitability check may include | Viral checking External examination of body Infection diseases |
Personal protective equipment includes | Face protection Eye protection Gown Apron Surgical suits Gloves Protective footwear Respirators |
Relevant Standards include | Relevant State and Territory Legislation concerning tissue removal and storage |
Tissues may include: | Bone Eyes Skin Heart valves Pancreas |
External examination must include: | Donor identification Identifying features, including: scars tattoos Anal passage Examination for evidence of illicit drugs |
Testsmustinclude: | HIV1/2 HCV HBV HTLV1 Syphilis Micro contamination testing Andmayinclude: CJD CMV EBV Others as per specific tissue type |
Retrieval team includes | Medical practitioner Administration support Prosectors |
Relevant equipment and consumable items | Specimen containers Autopsy table Trolleys Surgical instruments Scales Specimen containers Necropsy saw Knives Packing materials Needles Suture materials Body bags Electric scrubbers |
Specialist tissues include | Brain for CJD testing |
Reconstruction and restoration of bodies may include: | Reconstruction Cleaning cavities Packing of absorbent material Blocking orifices Replacement of organs Suturing incisions Insertion of prostheses Washing and drying body Bagging of body to appropriate standard and labelling |
Infection Control policy and procedures may include: | Personal hygiene Cleaning procedures Cleaning of surfaces and equipment Use of cleaning chemicals Use of personal protective equipment Standard and additional precautions Disposal of clinical and other wastes |
Waste may include: | Clinical wastes General waste Toxic waste |
Sectors
Not Applicable
Employability Skills
This unit contains Employability Skills |
Licensing Information
Not Applicable