Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to isolate, purify, verify and manipulate biomolecules and their products. This work requires close attention to working with small volumes, multiple-step procedures and prevention of contamination. Personnel are required to apply a wide range of molecular biology tests and procedures.
This unit applies to technical officers working in manufacturing (e.g. macro, micro, nanotechnology, pharmaceutical and blood products), food, biomedical (e.g. forensics, pathology and veterinary) and environmental industry sectors. Results are generally interpreted and reported to supervising scientists, medical, veterinary or other responsible officers of a workplace, regulatory authority or legal agency.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Interpret and schedule test requirements | 1.1 | Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved |
1.2 | Identify hazards and workplace control measures associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and/or equipment | ||
2 | Receive and handle samples | 2.1 | Log and label samples according to workplace procedures |
2.2 | Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies | ||
2.3 | Store samples in accordance with workplace and test method requirements | ||
2.4 | Maintain chain of custody, traceable to the worker, for all samples | ||
3 | Prepare equipment and reagents | 3.1 | Set up equipment/instrumentation in accordance with test method requirements and perform pre-use and safety checks |
3.2 | Select and collect reagents in accordance with test method requirements | ||
3.3 | Prepare and label reagents in accordance with test method requirements | ||
3.4 | Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents | ||
4 | Extract, verify and manipulate biomolecules | 4.1 | Produce/extract biomolecules from samples using appropriate isolation methods |
4.2 | Prevent contamination of samples by unwanted biomolecules | ||
4.3 | Recognise the presence of common inhibitors of biomolecular reactions and take corrective action | ||
4.4 | Quantify and qualify biomolecular yields from purified extractions | ||
4.5 | Use appropriate techniques to prepare and test a range of biomolecular samples | ||
4.6 | Use controls and reference standards to confirm the integrity of biomolecular sample preparation and procedures | ||
4.7 | Troubleshoot basic procedure, reagent or equipment problems which have led to atypical data or results | ||
5 | Report and communicate results | 5.1 | Record entries on report forms or into a laboratory information management system accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required |
5.2 | Ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results | ||
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Competency Field
Testing