Unit of competency
Modification History
Release 1. Supersedes and equivalent to MSL975033 Perform tissue and cell culture techniques. Minor Title change to clarify that scope is tissue or cell culture techniques. Minor changes to Performance Criteria and Performance Evidence to reflect scope.
Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to prepare, maintain and preserve cells and cell lines for a variety of applications, such as large-scale culture, production of monoclonal antibodies, production of viral vaccines and amniocentesis studies. Personnel are required to optimise equipment set-up, media and growth techniques. They are required to detect and investigate contamination and take preventative and/or corrective actions under supervision.
This unit applies to laboratory technicians and technical officers working in laboratories 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
MSL973027 Perform techniques that prevent cross-contamination.
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 production requirements |
1.1 Review client request and confirm quantity and nature of cells or tissue 1.2 Select appropriate media, materials, equipment and methods 1.3 Plan parallel work sequences to optimise production 1.4 Maintain a chain of custody, traceable to the worker, for all cells or tissues |
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2. Work safely according to the legal and regulatory framework |
2.1 Identify hazards and workplace control measures associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and equipment 2.2 Select, fit and use personal protective equipment (PPE) 2.3 Address hazards and incidents as they arise in accordance with workplace procedures 2.4 Safely dispose of biohazardous materials and other laboratory waste |
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3. Assemble and maintain tissue culture equipment |
3.1 Assemble, sterilise or decontaminate equipment according to workplace procedures 3.2 Perform pre-use and safety checks in accordance with relevant workplace and operating procedures 3.3 Identify faulty or unsafe components and equipment and report to appropriate personnel 3.4 Decontaminate area and equipment after use |
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4. Prepare and test cell or tissue culture media |
4.1 Confirm media specifications and processes/methods 4.2 Prepare culture media to suit client request 4.3 Sterilise culture media and check for sterility 4.4 Perform quality control checks to ensure that culture media is fit for purpose 4.5 Store culture media in accordance with specifications |
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5. Obtain, monitor and maintain tissue or cell lines |
5.1 Access the cell lines or tissue sample from fresh or preserved sources and prepare a culture 5.2 Select specified culture media and add any necessary growth agents or nutrients 5.3 Incubate cells or tissue in specified conditions 5.4 Inoculate the media with the specified amount of sample 5.5 Monitor growth of tissue or cell lines and products 5.6 Detect contamination/abnormalities and troubleshoot materials, equipment and techniques 5.7 Passage samples by subculturing to preserve or grow the line 5.8 Harvest tissue, cells or cell products to optimise yields |
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6. Preserve cells or tissues |
6.1 Select the appropriate preservation method 6.2 Preserve the cell lines or tissue in accordance with the method 6.3 Check preserved tissue or cell lines regularly to ensure viability is maintained |
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7. Maintain records |
7.1 Maintain accurate records of batches of media 7.2 Maintain accurate records of active and stored tissue or cell lines 7.3 Complete records so that they are retrievable, legible and accurate 7.4 Ensure records conform to the information management, records, quality system and legal requirements |
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 MSL975033 Perform tissue and cell culture techniques.
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
