Assessment Requirements for MSL975029 Perform histological tests

Release: 1

Assessment Requirements for MSL975029 Perform histological tests

Modification History

Release	Comments
Release 1	This version was released in MSL Laboratory Operations Training Package Release 2.0. Supersedes and equivalent to MSL975003 Perform histological tests. Prerequisites changed. Change to elements and performance criteria. Foundation skill information added. Range of conditions removed. Assessment requirements amended.

Performance Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has completed the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, and:

registered at least 10 samples into a laboratory information management system (LIMS), (or simulated to reflect an actual LIMS) with 100 % accuracy. identifying specimens and request forms that do not comply with minimum industry requirements for labelling, identification and test requests

entered at least 8 samples into the LIMS within five minutes

recorded sample and request form discrepancies and indicated what level of action is required, i.e. record only, contact submitter, continue testing or halt testing or return sample to their source with reasons for non-acceptance

embedded at least 6 tissue types that are flat, correctly orientated and in a single layer of wax, including one of each of the following:

large tissues

small tissues

multiple small biopsies in a single block

epithelial tissue such as skin or tongue

tissue prone to distortion

bone

inspected and re-embedded blocks that do not meet quality control standards

cut at least 40 paraffin embedded sections, from at least 5 different tissue types free of wrinkles, scores and folds, at the specified thickness (the complete surface of the tissue must be present on all slides with the remaining tissue in the block conserved for future testing) to industry standard

produced stained sections that consistently pass industry quality control standards, on separate occasions, that allow for diagnosis and results to be issued, including:

stained at least 5 routine paraffin embedded sections from at least 5 different tissue types to demonstrate tissue structure using a regressive Haematoxylin and Eosin stain

performed the Periodic Acid Schiffs (PAS) technique using positive control tissue

performed at least 5 different specialised/histochemical stains using positive control tissues, to demonstrate at least 5 of the following:

connective tissue

muscle striations

central nervous system

basement membrane

microorganisms

pigments

deposits

carbohydrates and/or mucins

amyloid

using specialised techniques, including polarising microscopy and use of heat or microwave ovens in histopathology

consistently produced cover slipped slides, ensuring that no air bubbles are formed and material is preserved for the life of the slide

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:

terminology used to describe tissue components being stained, these may be anatomical, physiological, biochemical or immunological, depending on the expected staining outcomes

interrelationship between the quality of each individual histological step and the impact on subsequent steps and final outcomes, including:

fixation and all subsequent steps

cut-up and all subsequent steps

processing and all subsequent steps

embedding and all subsequent steps

microtomy and all subsequent steps

staining and all subsequent steps

purpose of and processes involved in surgical cut-up and the factors involved that directly impact on ability to perform histology work

requirements for ensuring uninterrupted efficient operation of a cut-up area

basic principle and purpose of decalcification

importance of recognising the uniqueness of patient histological tissues (a non-renewable resource)

purpose of and processes for frozen sections

functions of the components of a rotary microtome

relationship of the anatomy and morphology of tissue types and the macroscopic and microscopic appearance of stained sections

advantages and disadvantages of different types of fixatives

labile nature of histological chemicals and the importance of correct preparation and storage

effects of the presence of artefacts in sections on microscopic examination of tissues

purpose of and processes involved in tissue processing and routine Haematoxylin and Eosin staining methods

purpose of staining procedures implemented (why they are used and what components they demonstrate)

basic biological principles and concepts behind the steps involved in immunohistochemical staining procedures

relationship between correct differentiation, and the ability to produce quality stained slides and troubleshoot staining issues

appropriate storage of specimens

technological advances that include automation

awareness of environmental sustainability issues as they relate to the work task

legal, ethical and work health and safety (WHS) requirements specific to the work task including traceability, confidentiality and security requirements of all clinical information, and laboratory data and records.

Assessment Conditions

Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions and contingencies. The following conditions must be met for this unit:

use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

a standard histology laboratory with relevant equipment, samples and reagents; and computer information systems, databases, record and filing systems, including specimen accessioning

workplace procedures, test methods and equipment manuals.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

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