Course Title: Perform histological tests

National Element Code & Title:

MSL975003 Perform histological tests

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Check and match specimens and request forms before they are accepted 1.2 Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with requirements, record any discrepancies and indicate what action is required 1.3 Log acceptable specimens into a laboratory information management system (LIMS) accurately and efficiently, applying required document tracking mechanisms 1.4 Store specimens appropriately until required for testing

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Arrange tissues and request forms in cut-up area 2.2 Label tissue cassettes as required to maintain identity during subsequent procedures 2.3 Select tissue fixative to prepare tissue for subsequent procedures 2.4 Weigh organs and count tissue chips and shavings

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Select processor program and reagents 3.2 Perform equipment pre-use checks on the tissue processor to ensure sample integrity is maintained 3.3 Follow processing requirements for non-routine techniques, including histochemistry

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Check that temperature of embedding medium is suitable for embedding process 4.2 Check that volume of embedding medium is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load 4.3 Embed tissue types in correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss during microtomy 4.4 Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues 4.5 Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Check that flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use 5.2 Prepare and adjust all external parts of a microtome and associated equipment to accommodate requirements of tissue batch 5.3 Secure block in microtome following specified safety directions 5.4 Orientate the block correctly for each specific tissue to ensure tissue conservation and maintain sample integrity 5.5 Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements 5.6 Cut thin tissue sections (4-5μm), according to needs of subsequent procedures, maintaining sample integrity and conserving tissue for further testing 5.7 Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues 5.8 Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches that on block 5.9 Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues 5.10 Maintain tissue sections in conditions compatible with intended subsequent procedures 5.11 Compare the blocks and sections ensuring the tissue on slides matches that in the blocks 5.12 Inspect sections and reject any that do not meet quality control standards 5.13 Identify, troubleshoot and resolve common section quality control issues

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Apply staining procedures to demonstrate required morphological features 6.2 Prepare labile reagents for immediate use 6.3 Select reagents for specified technique, ensuring reagent sequence matches standard procedure 6.4 Stain sections according to method using the required quality control section and accommodating any authorised variations 6.5 Mount slides using medium compatible with staining technique 6.6 Examine control sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes are achieved and procedural artefacts are detected 6.7 Confirm macroscopically or microscopically that tissues on all slides conform with the expected characteristics of that case 6.8 Participate in final check to establish that the number of slides tallies with the worksheet 6.9 Attach permanent label giving specimen details as required by workplace 6.10 Confirm microscopically that the type/disease is appropriate and still present in the control sections for each stain

Performance Criteria:

7.1 Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 7.2 Handle non-fixed tissues safely to minimise cross-infection and contamination of personnel and environment 7.3 Store fixed tissues as specified to minimise exposure of personnel to dangerous fumes and vapours 7.4 Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment from contamination 7.5 Minimise the generation of wastes 7.6 Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures

Performance Criteria:

8.1 Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing data as required 8.2 Complete control stain quality assessment forms to report quality control outcomes 8.3 File and store tissue sections to facilitate efficient retrieval as required 8.4 Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checks 8.5 Maintain confidentiality and security of all clinical information, and laboratory data and records

SEMESTER 1

1

Monday 6th Feb

Introduction To the Course

3

Monday 20th Feb

Introduction to Microanatomy, Epithelial tissues

(but not every student every week)

5

Monday 6th March

Muscular & Nervous Tissues

Online Quiz 1 (Starts 6/3 ends 11/3)

7

Monday 20th March

The Reproductive System,

9

Monday 3rd April

Haemopoetic and Respiratory Systems

11

Monday 17th April

EASTER MONDAY

13

Monday 1st May

Possible site visit to diagnostic lab

TBC

15

Monday 15th May

Fixation (Theory & Prac) Decal (theory)

17

Monday 29th May

Embedding Pt 2

Online Quiz 4 (Starts 29/5 ends 4/6)

Semester 2 program will be posted two weeks prior to start of semester

Assessment No.

Semester

Assessment

Weight

Date

2

S1

Online Quiz 1

6%

Starts 6/3/17

Ends 11/3/17

4

S1

Online Quiz 3

6%

Starts 10/4/17

Ends 15/4/17

6

S2

Online Quiz 5

6%

Starts 5/7/17

Ends 10/7/17

8

S2

Specimen reception & Data entry Prac. & Theory exam

15%

A Satisfactory result is mandatory for a pass

TBC