Unit of competency

Modification History

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to collect biological samples and perform pathology procedures, including maintaining the integrity of samples and preparing consignments for diagnostic laboratories.

The unit applies to veterinary nurses who work under the supervision of a registered veterinarian in a veterinary practice. Veterinary nurses who perform clinical pathology procedures need to hold and apply specialised knowledge of laboratory procedures and pathology tests.

Legislative and regulatory requirements apply to veterinary nurses but vary according to state/territory jurisdictions. Users must check with the relevant regulatory authority before delivery.

NOTE: The terms 'occupational health and safety' (OHS) and 'work health and safety' (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Unit Sector

Veterinary Nursing (VET)

Elements and Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Unit Mapping Information

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Performance Evidence

An individual demonstrating competency must satisfy all of the elements and performance criteria in this unit.

There must be evidence that the individual has:

• collected, appropriately handled, labelled and stored biological samples from a minimum two different species, including:

• blood
• faeces
• urine

• collected, appropriately handled, labelled and stored biological samples of at least two of the following:

• microbial swab
• skin scrapings
• hair samples
• saliva
• tissue
• vomitus
• wound material

• prepared microscope and slides for examination
• performed practice laboratory tests and recorded results, including:

• Diff-Quik
• PCV
• TPP
• USG

• performed the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 240 hours of work in a veterinary practice.

Knowledge Evidence

An individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit. This includes knowledge of:

• animal anatomy and physiology related to practice pathology sampling procedures
• biological sample collection methods and procedures, appropriate biological sampling sites and relevant industry laboratory techniques and procedures
• types of laboratory tests
• blood tests, including:

• biochemistry
• haematocrit
• haematology
• total serum protein
• white cell count

• microscopic examination of samples
• urinalysis
• use of dipstick tests
• Hendra virus exclusion tests
• setting-up and using a microscope
• routine microscope stains, including Gram, Diff-Quik
• types of pathology tests, including tests for antigens and antibodies, internal and external parasites
• faecal floats
• types of collection containers and their use
• set up for post-mortem
• equipment used during a post-mortem, including:

• cleaning equipment trolleys
• knives and needles
• necropsy saw
• scales
• specimen containers
• surgical instruments
• personal protective equipment

• practice policies, procedures and WHS and infection control requirements related to the collection of pathology samples and disposal of sharps and biological waste
• normal ranges for pathology test results that veterinary nurses perform
• pathology tests and the requirements for sample preparation, handling, storing
• requirements for dispatch and transport of samples from practice
• record-keeping of tests and results
• quality assurance in pathology procedures.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment of skills must take place under the following conditions:

• physical conditions:

• in the workplace or an environment that accurately reflects a veterinary practice

• resources, equipment and materials:

• a range of real animals
• equipment and resources typically available in a veterinary practice

• specifications:

• manufacturer’s operating instructions for specialised equipment
• organisational policies and procedures, current legislation, regulations and relevant codes of practice

• relationships (internal and/or external):

• interactions with a registered veterinarian or minimum of Certificate IV qualified veterinary nurse.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103