Elements

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

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

1. Prepare for microchip implantation

1.1 Identify key statutory, local authority and insurance requirements associated with microchipping cats and dogs

1.2 Explain details of the procedure to the owner

1.3 Relate anatomical and physiological structures and functions to implantation procedures as well as likely migration sites for chips on animal body

1.4 Ensure that microchip implantation workspace is appropriate for the needs of the species

1.5 Follow relevant legislation and Australian Standards for implantation and scanning devices

2. Prepare equipment

2.1 Inspect and check implantation equipment

2.2 Inspect and access first aid equipment for animals and humans

2.3 Select and check electronic reader against a reference chip

2.4 Check microchip to be implanted to confirm it meets relevant Standards and legislative requirements, and scan serial number against packaging number

3. Prepare animal for implantation

3.1 Obtain and record prescribed identifying information

3.2 Assess animal for behavioural problems and refer animal to veterinarian where unmanageable fear or aggressive tendencies are identified

3.3 Obtain owner permission to restrain the animal, if owner present, and select and fit animal restraint device according to animal welfare and regulatory requirements

3.4 Use personal protective equipment according to workplace procedures

3.5 Assess health of animal and identify signs of ill health

3.6 Scan animal to check if previous implantation has occurred, and complete legislative and industry actions for previously implanted microchip if required

4. Undertake implantation procedure

4.1 Check implantation site for abnormalities and refer owner to veterinarian in the event of observed concerns

4.2 Position animal for implantation, taking into account animal welfare, animal size, species, behavioural assessment, and work health and safety risks

4.3 Inspect injection site and prepare for procedure using aseptic techniques according to industry standards

4.4 Prepare the implanting device while maintaining asepsis

4.5 Prepare skin, grasp and lift away skin, and insert needle subcutaneously at recommended angle

4.6 Discharge microchip fully into subcutaneous tissue, withdraw needle from skin, checking microchip has discharged, under the supervision of a veterinary surgeon

4.7 Dispose of needles in an approved sharps container

4.8 Complete post-implantation workplace hygiene clean-up procedures

4.9 Assess injuries sustained to humans and provide first aid treatment and seek medical attention if required

4.10 Assess injuries sustained to animals and provide first aid treatment and seek veterinary attention if required

5. Conduct post-implantation procedures

5.1 Visually check implantation site and scan to ensure correct functioning of microchip

5.2 Provide post-implantation advice to owner

5.3 Note animal condition and seek veterinary assistance if there are signs of adverse reactions

5.4 Explain to owner the processes undertaken by animal registry service, and distinguish from registering with local government/council

5.5 Impress importance of maintenance of ownership records to owner/keeper, and provide procedure to be followed in the event of loss of animal

6. Maintain records in accordance with legislative requirements

6.1 Record procedure using prescribed identifying information, including identification of implanter

6.2 Forward documentation to relevant animal registry services

6.3 Maintain and file copy of records for specific implanter