Course Title: Perform histological tests

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2018

Course Code: BIOL5224C

Course Title: Perform histological tests

School: 174T School of VE Engineering, Health & Science

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5362 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology (Pathology Testing)

Course Contact: Namrita Kaul

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4837

Course Contact Email: namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Rowena Lavery

rowena.lavery@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 150

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

Pre-requisites:

MSL973007 Perform microscopic examination

Course Description

This unit of competency covers the ability to perform tests and procedures associated with processing and staining tissues for examination of tissue structure and abnormalities by pathologists and scientists to assist with disease diagnosis. The unit covers tests and procedures that are associated with anatomical pathology and may involve the use of automated processors and staining machines. 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSL975003 Perform histological tests

Element:

1 Process specimens and associated request forms

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

Element:

2 Prepare specimens for cut-up

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

Element:

3 Process tissue

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

Element:

4 Embed tissue

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

Element:

5 Cut tissue sections

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

Element:

6 Stain tissue sections

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

Element:

7 Maintain a safe environment

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

Element:

8 Maintain laboratory records

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


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

learning activities include

face-to-face theory classes
practical experiments & techniques
online activities


Teaching Schedule

 

Semester 1

 Week  Date starting  Theory Topic  Practical Activities Assessment 
 1  5/2  No scheduled class    
 2  12/2  No scheduled class    
 3  19/2

Introduction to histology, organising a histology laboratory
and safety in a histology laboratory.
Specimen reception, tissue accessioning, macroscopic cut-up and fixation 
Tissue processing – manual and automatic 

Tissue collection and fixation (rat dissection)
Tissue processing – samples sent to Bundoora
 
 26/2  Embedding

Tissue accessioning, Specimen reception, Tissue processing – manual and automatic

 Specimen reception- matching samples and request for 10 samples  
 5  5/3  Microtomy – introduction Grp A-embedding of samples
Grp B- microtomy on kidney (10 slides)

 Assessment 1. OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST- tissue processing and embedding

Assessment 2. OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST- microtomy 

 6  12/3 Microtomy and frozen sections (cryotomy and the use of cryostat).
Tissue processing troubleshooting and possible effects on microtomy.
Grp A- microtomy on kidney (10 slides)
Grp B- embedding of samples & specimen reception- matching samples and request for 10 samples
 7  19/3  Histological images of epithelial and connective tissue

Grp A - embedding & specimen reception- matching samples and request for 10 samples
Grp B- Microtomy on liver (14 slides)

 
   26/3  Mid semester break    
 8  2/4  Exam week   Assessment 3. SIMULATED LIMS ASSESSMENT (Identify non-compliant specimen request forms and log acceptable specimens into LIMs)
9 9/4 Histological images of adipose tissue and blood vessels  Grp A- Microtomy on liver (14 slides)
Grp B- embedding & specimen reception- matching samples and request for 10 samples
 
10 16/4 Bone and biopsies processing  Bone collection- decalcification
biopsy collection (Kidney core needle biopsy) 
 
11 23/4  Histological images of nerve tissue

 Bone fixation and manual tissue processing of biopsies
Grp A- Microtomy on lung (6 slides) & OHS and preparation of reagents exercises
Grp B- OHS and preparation of reagents exercises

 
12 30/4  Histological images of muscular tissue (skeletal and cardiac) Grp A- OHS and preparation of reagents exercises
Grp B-  Microtomy on lung (6 slides)
 
13 7/5 Histological images of upper and lower digestive system     
14 14/5  Histological images of upper and lower digestive system Grp A- Microtomy on skin (10 slides)
Grp B- Staining H & E (occasion #1)
 
15 21/5     Assessment 4. END OF SEMESTER 1 PRACTICAL EXAM – prepare specimens for cut up
 16  28/5     Assessment 5. END OF SEMESTER 1 THEORY EXAM - Online Quiz 1: tissue processing, embedding, microtomy

Semester 2

 Week     Date
starting    
 Theory topic                Practical activities   Assessment
 1  2/7  Histological images of Haematopoietic
tissues
 
Grp A- Staining H & E (occasion #1)                   
Grp B- Microtomy on skin (10 slides)
 Assessment 6. OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST – staining
 2  9/7  Introduction to staining  Grp A- Microtomy on tongue (7 slides)
Grp B- Staining H & E (occasion # 2)
 
 3  16/7  Routine Haematoxylin &  Eosin staining
(H &E)
 Grp A- Staining H & E (occasion # 2)
 Grp B- Microtomy on tongue (7 slides)
 
 4  23/7  Pigments  Grp A- Microtomy on tongue (7 slides)
Grp B- Staining H & E (occasion # 3)
 
 5  30/7  Connective tissue stains   Grp A- Staining H & E (occasion # 3)
 Grp B- Microtomy on tongue (7 slides)
 
 6  6/8  Staining for Carbohydrates  Grp A - Microtomy: Catch up 
Grp B- Staining PAS (Kidney section X1) occasion # 1
Staining PTAH (tongue section x1) occasion # 1
 

 7  13/8  Staining for Mucins  Grp A- Staining PAS (Kidney section X1) occasion # 1
Staining PTAH (tongue section x1) occasion # 1
Grp B- Microtomy: Catch up
 
 8  20/8      Assessment 7:Online Quiz 2 general staining knowledge
   27/8  Mid semester break    
9 3/9 Histological images of respiratory system Perls staining for iron deposits (Liver x1 ) occasion # 1
Masson staining for connective tissue (Skin x 1) occasion # 1
Take photos of stained slides for portfolio: H & E, PAS, PTAH, Perls, Masson
 
10 10/9 Histological images of urinary system  Perls staining for iron deposits (Liver x1 ) occasion # 2
Masson staining for connective tissue (Skin x 1) occasion # 2
Take photos of stained slides for portfolio: H & E, PAS, PTAH, Perls, Masson
 
11 17/9 Histological images of male and female reproductive system  PASD staining for carbohydrates (Liver x1 ) occasion # 1
ABPAS staining for Mucins (Tongue x 1) occasion # 1
Take photos of stained slides for portfolio: H & E, PAS, PTAH, Perls, Masson etc

 
12 24/9 Polarising Microscopy PASD staining for carbohydrates (Liver x1 ) occasion # 2
ABPAS staining for Mucins (Tongue x 1) occasion # 2
Take photos of stained slides: H & E, PAS, PTAH, Perls, Masson, PASD, ABPAS
 
13 1/10   Catch up staining
Archive Box: Labelled stained slides to be archived, record slide location in your portfolio.
 
14 8/10   Catch up staining
Archive Box: Labelled stained slides to be archived, record slide location in your portfolio.
 
15 15/10     Assessment 8: PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION, slides
16 22/10      Assessment 9: Online Quiz 3 IHC, Polarising Microscope.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

written tests

practical tests

Laboratory logbook

online quizzes


Assessment Tasks

Assessment   Date  Result Grades allocated 
 1. OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST- tissue processing and embedding   8/03- 10/05  S/NYS  
 2. OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST- microtomy  8/3- 2/8  S/NYS  
 3. SIMULATED LIMS ASSESSMENT (Identify non-compliant specimen request forms
 and log acceptable specimens into LIMs)
 Week 8 & 9    15
 4. END OF SEMESTER 1 PRACTICAL EXAM – prepare specimens for cut up  24/05/2018  S/NYS  
 5. END OF SEMESTER 1 THEORY EXAM -
Online Quiz 1: tissue processing, embedding, microtomy
 Week 16/17    15
  6. OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST – staining  17/05 – 27/09   S/NYS  
7.  MID-SEMESTER 2 THEORY EXAM –
Online Quiz 2 general staining knowledge
 Week 8 (Sem 2)    15
 8. END OF SEMESTER PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION  18/10   S/NYS  40
 9. END OF SEMESTER 2 THEORY EXAM –
 Online Quiz 3 IHC, Polarising Microscope.
 Week 16/17    15

Each task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved.

Competence must be achieved before grades are allocated.

Details about the requirements for the portfolio will be provided.


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Assessment Information
This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also utilise graded assessment
CHD Competent with High Distinction (80 – 100%)
CDI Competent with Distinction (70 – 79%)
CC Competent with Credit (60 – 69%)
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded (50 – 59%)
NYC Not Yet Competent (0 – 49%)
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

To pass the course you need to pass, on average, each type of assessment (exams, pracs, and assignments etc.) For example, if there are two exams you need to have an average of 50% to pass and you also need to have passed the other assessment types. You can’t make up marks from one type of assessment to another (e.g. pass the exams but fail the prac component). Late work that is submitted without an application for an extension (see below) will not be corrected.

APPLICATION FOR EXTENSION OF TIME FOR SUBMISSION OF ASSESSABLE WORK - A student may apply for an extension of up to 7 days from the original due date. They must lodge the application form (available online http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension) at least 24 hours before the due date. The application form should be emailed to the Program Coordinator (namrita.kaul@rmit.edu.au) Students requiring longer extensions must apply for SPECIAL CONSIDERATION.

For missed assessments such as exams- you (& your doctor if you are sick) must fill out a special consideration form. This form must be lodged online with supporting evidence prior to, or within, 48 hours of the scheduled time of examination http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration A minimum of 80% attendance at practical classes is required to pass this course. If you are sick you should submit a medical certificate to 6th floor office addressed to the Program Coordinator. If you miss a practical class that is a prac report write up you need to provide a medical certificate (or other evidence) and arrange an alternative report with your teacher

Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data and oral presentation. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. It also occurs through enabling plagiarism, which is the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work. Please make sure you consider this carefully in completing all your work and assessments in this course and if you are unsure about whether you might have plagiarised, seek help from your teacher.

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