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Evidence Guide: MSL973007 - Perform microscopic examination

Student: __________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________________________________

Tips for gathering evidence to demonstrate your skills

The important thing to remember when gathering evidence is that the more evidence the better - that is, the more evidence you gather to demonstrate your skills, the more confident an assessor can be that you have learned the skills not just at one point in time, but are continuing to apply and develop those skills (as opposed to just learning for the test!). Furthermore, one piece of evidence that you collect will not usualy demonstrate all the required criteria for a unit of competency, whereas multiple overlapping pieces of evidence will usually do the trick!

From the Wiki University

 

MSL973007 - Perform microscopic examination

What evidence can you provide to prove your understanding of each of the following citeria?

Interpret test requirements

  1. Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment involved
  2. Identify hazards associated with the sample, preparation methods and equipment, and implement workplace control measures
Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment involved

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify hazards associated with the sample, preparation methods and equipment, and implement workplace control measures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set up work area for preparation and examination of samples

  1. Collect equipment and arrange the workspace so that equipment can be used safely and efficiently
  2. Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose and report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel
Collect equipment and arrange the workspace so that equipment can be used safely and efficiently

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose and report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare samples for examination

  1. Log and label samples according to workplace procedures to ensure traceability
  2. Check suitability of the original and prepared sample for the examination, and report unsuitable samples to appropriate personnel
  3. Prepare and store the sample for examination following workplace methods
Log and label samples according to workplace procedures to ensure traceability

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check suitability of the original and prepared sample for the examination, and report unsuitable samples to appropriate personnel

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare and store the sample for examination following workplace methods

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Set up and use a light microscope

  1. Set up the light path to optimise resolution
  2. Select the appropriate objectives and filter for the sample being examined
  3. Ensure that the lenses are clean
  4. Adjust settings and alignment of the light path to optimise performance
  5. Place sample correctly on the stage
Set up the light path to optimise resolution

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select the appropriate objectives and filter for the sample being examined

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ensure that the lenses are clean

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjust settings and alignment of the light path to optimise performance

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place sample correctly on the stage

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Observe, identify and report sample characteristics

  1. Recognise and identify significant sample characteristics
  2. Perform required calculations accurately
  3. Prepare and view control samples and check that results are consistent with expected values
  4. Identify and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
  5. Record and report data in accordance with workplace procedures
Recognise and identify significant sample characteristics

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Perform required calculations accurately

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepare and view control samples and check that results are consistent with expected values

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Identify and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Record and report data in accordance with workplace procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maintain a safe work environment

  1. Ensure safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  2. Handle all samples and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols
  3. Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment
  4. Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts
  5. Collect and dispose of all wastes safely
  6. Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using workplace procedures
Ensure safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Handle all samples and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collect and dispose of all wastes safely

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using workplace procedures

Completed
Date:

Teacher:		 Evidence:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessed

Teacher: ___________________________________ Date: _________

Signature: ________________________________________________

Comments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instructions to Assessors

Evidence Guide

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Interpret test requirements

1.1

Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment involved

1.2

Identify hazards associated with the sample, preparation methods and equipment, and implement workplace control measures

2

Set up work area for preparation and examination of samples

2.1

Collect equipment and arrange the workspace so that equipment can be used safely and efficiently

2.2

Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose and report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel

3

Prepare samples for examination

3.1

Log and label samples according to workplace procedures to ensure traceability

3.2

Check suitability of the original and prepared sample for the examination, and report unsuitable samples to appropriate personnel

3.3

Prepare and store the sample for examination following workplace methods

4

Set up and use a light microscope

4.1

Set up the light path to optimise resolution

4.2

Select the appropriate objectives and filter for the sample being examined

4.3

Ensure that the lenses are clean

4.4

Adjust settings and alignment of the light path to optimise performance

4.5

Place sample correctly on the stage

5

Observe, identify and report sample characteristics

5.1

Recognise and identify significant sample characteristics

5.2

Perform required calculations accurately

5.3

Prepare and view control samples and check that results are consistent with expected values

5.4

Identify and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel

5.5

Record and report data in accordance with workplace procedures

6

Maintain a safe work environment

6.1

Ensure safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

6.2

Handle all samples and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols

6.3

Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment

6.4

Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts

6.5

Collect and dispose of all wastes safely

6.6

Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using workplace procedures

Required Skills and Knowledge

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Interpret test requirements

1.1

Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment involved

1.2

Identify hazards associated with the sample, preparation methods and equipment, and implement workplace control measures

2

Set up work area for preparation and examination of samples

2.1

Collect equipment and arrange the workspace so that equipment can be used safely and efficiently

2.2

Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose and report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel

3

Prepare samples for examination

3.1

Log and label samples according to workplace procedures to ensure traceability

3.2

Check suitability of the original and prepared sample for the examination, and report unsuitable samples to appropriate personnel

3.3

Prepare and store the sample for examination following workplace methods

4

Set up and use a light microscope

4.1

Set up the light path to optimise resolution

4.2

Select the appropriate objectives and filter for the sample being examined

4.3

Ensure that the lenses are clean

4.4

Adjust settings and alignment of the light path to optimise performance

4.5

Place sample correctly on the stage

5

Observe, identify and report sample characteristics

5.1

Recognise and identify significant sample characteristics

5.2

Perform required calculations accurately

5.3

Prepare and view control samples and check that results are consistent with expected values

5.4

Identify and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel

5.5

Record and report data in accordance with workplace procedures

6

Maintain a safe work environment

6.1

Ensure safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

6.2

Handle all samples and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols

6.3

Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment

6.4

Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts

6.5

Collect and dispose of all wastes safely

6.6

Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using workplace procedures

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely performing microscopic examination of at least three (3) different samples and correctly identifying and reporting the characteristics of each

checking suitability of samples, such as labelling, spillage, spoilage due to incorrect storage and transport conditions, temperature control and suitability for the examination

safely preparing routine biological and/or physical samples in accordance with workplace procedures or standard methods

checking the quality of prepared samples, such as:

clean and scratch-free microscope slides to reduce artefacts

preparation according to specified procedure/method

homogeneous suspension of sample

films and smears that have been fixed rapidly

thin films with a monolayer of cells

appropriate whole mounts for intact organisms

correct sample identification during and after processing

performing pre-use checks of equipment, such as calibration, routine cleaning and maintenance, and use by dates of reagents

setting up a light microscope for optimal resolution

accurately observing, identifying and reporting sample characteristics

performing counts on samples and basic measurements using grids

performing accurate calculations as required by the method, such as:

dilutions

percentage viability

number of cells in original sample after dilution

calculation of cells/ml in a number of squares of a counting chamber

interpreting and recording test results reliably

logging and tracking samples through all steps from sample receipt to completion of the examination and reporting

minimising cross-contamination and contamination of the laboratory and environment

using personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety procedures to maintain personal safety and that of others

handling/storing samples and equipment and collecting/disposing of waste in accordance with workplace procedures.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

nature of samples, sample preparation methods, methods of examination and associated hazards

parts and functions of a light microscope and steps taken to optimise the resolution of images

importance and appropriate use of controls and certified reference materials

workplace and/or legal traceability requirements

relevant work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

Range Statement

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 covering the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory safety and quality management

national work health and safety (WHS) standards and codes of practice, and national measurement regulations and guidelines

specific codes, guidelines and procedures, such as National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accreditation requirements, principles of good laboratory practice (GLP), and Australian code of good manufacturing practice for medicinal products (GMP)

workplace documents, such as standard operating procedures (SOPs); quality and equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; material, production and product specifications; production and laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; and waste minimisation and safe disposal procedures

workplace procedures for microscopic examination of samples

Preparation of samples

Preparation of samples includes, but is not limited to, one or more of:

drying and cooling

physical separation, centrifugation, filtration and chemical separation

sub-sampling

labelling

aseptic transfer of specimen

thin film or smear on a slide

fixing of films to minimise cell damage and the production of artefacts

staining of fixed material to illustrate required characteristics

mounting of stained films, sections and whole mounts to ensure long-term preservation

permanent labels for smears, films and sections for presentation, storage and retrieval

selection of diluent to preserve or enhance visibility of the cells to be counted

serial dilution to enable individual cells to be reliably counted

filling a counting chamber in one continuous flow without bubbles or overflow

selection, filling and cover slipping of a clean, dry counting chamber to ensure even distribution of cells during filling

Biological samples

Biological samples include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

smears, impression smears, sections, squashes, films and whole mounts

a monolayer of cells in smears and films

fixed smears for demonstration of bacteria by the methylene blue and Gram staining techniques

blood films stained by a Romanowsky technique to clearly show differentiation of granulocytes

stained sections of animal tissues using regressive haematoxylin and eosin to differentiate cytoplasmic and nuclear detail

differentially stained monocotyledon and dicotyledon stem sections to demonstrate the structure of vascular bundles (xylem, phloem and cambium)

stained whole mounts of helminths

whole mounts, such as liver flukes, planaria and samples of animal faeces to demonstrate ova, cysts and larvae

pond water organisms

onion root tip squash

midstream sample of urine

Physical samples

Physical samples include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

sand

asbestos fibres

coal samples

construction materials for testing

geological specimens

Sample characteristics

Sample characteristics are restricted to what can be viewed by bright light microscopy and include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

shape and size of particles

presence of contamination

colour

consistency and variability

number of cells (e.g. cells in blood or other particulate samples, such as a yeast suspension or pollen grains)

type of cells, percentage of atypical cells, presence/absence of cells, size of cells, viable and non-viable cells and trajectory

presence of stained material, such as starch

colour/staining and morphology

motility

Workplace safety procedures

Workplace safety procedures include, but are not limited to, one or more of:

ergonomic layout, correct illumination and organisation of workbench

use of biohazard containers and laminar flow cabinet

correctly labelling reagents and hazardous materials

use of PPE, such as safety glasses, gloves and coveralls

handling and storing hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labels, MSDS and manufacturer instructions

regularly cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas

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