Unit of competency
Modification History
Release 1. Supersedes and equivalent to MSL974021 Perform biological procedures. Element 3 removed as it was essentially knowledge. Minor changes to Performance Criteria. Clarification around allowing choice of multi-step staining method in Performance Evidence. Addition of test procedures and other minor changes to Knowledge Evidence.
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to interpret work requirements, prepare samples, and perform routine biological procedures. These procedures may involve several steps and are used to classify organisms or biologically active compounds by analysing their biological and/or chemical characteristics. This unit includes interpretation of results and troubleshooting obvious departures from standard procedures.
This unit of competency applies to technical assistants working in the biomedical, environmental, biotechnology and education industry sectors.
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.
Pre-requisite Unit
Nil.
Competency Field
Testing
Elements and Performance Criteria
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Elements |
Performance Criteria |
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Elements describe the essential outcomes. |
Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
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1. Interpret and schedule work requirements |
1.1 Review work request to identify samples, required procedures and materials equipment involved 1.2 Identify hazards and workplace control measures associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and/or equipment 1.3 Plan parallel work sequences to optimise throughput of multiple sets of samples |
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2. Receive and prepare biological samples |
2.1 Register samples in accordance with workplace procedures, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody traceable to employee 2.2 Match sample provided to accompanying documentation and report any discrepancies in accordance with workplace procedures 2.3 Prepare samples in accordance with testing requirements |
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3. Perform biological techniques on samples |
3.1 Set up and use equipment and reagents in accordance with the method 3.2 Perform techniques in accordance with the standard operating procedures |
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4. Maintain a safe work environment |
4.1 Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 4.2 Safely dispose of biohazardous wastes 4.3 Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents in accordance with workplace procedures |
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5. Maintain laboratory records |
5.1 Record data and results in accordance with workplace procedures 5.2 Follow procedures to support 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.
Unit Mapping Information
Supersedes and is equivalent to MSL974021 Perform biological procedures.
Links
MSL Laboratory Operations Companion Volume Implementation Guide is available from VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa
