Course Title: Perform histological tests
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2019
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@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
This course is run as a combination of practicals and online lectures.
Teaching Schedule
Session |
Week beginning |
Topic/Activity/Assessment |
SEMESTER 1 # | ||
|
Week 1
|
11/02/2019 |
Group A & Group B –you will be broken up into two groups A & B. Check the excel sheet on canvas to find out which group you belong to. Theory:
Practical: OHS forms Tissue collection and fixation Tissue processing – samples sent to Bundoora. |
|
Week 2
|
18/02/2019 |
Theory: Embedding, Tissue accessioning, Specimen reception, Tissue processing – manual and automatic
Specimen reception – matching samples and request form for 10 samples |
|
Week 3
|
25/02/2019 |
Theory: Microtomy – introduction
Assessment 1. OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST- embedding Assessment 2. OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST- microtomy |
|
Practical: Part A Specimen reception – matching samples and request form for 10 samples
Embedding of samples
|
Practical: Part B Specimen reception – matching samples and request form for 10 samples
*Microtomy on kidney (10 slides per student)
|
|
|
Week 4
|
04/03/2019 |
Theory: Microtomy Tissue processing troubleshooting and possible effects on microtomy. |
|
Practical: Part A *Microtomy on kidney (10 slides per student)
|
Practical: Part B Specimen reception – matching samples and request for 10 samples Embedding of samples |
|
|
Week 5
|
11/03/2019 |
Theory: Histological images of epithelial and connective tissue |
|
Practical: Part A Specimen reception – matching samples and request form for 10 samples Embedding of samples |
Practical: Part B
*Microtomy on Liver (14 slides)
|
|
Week 6 |
18/03/2019 |
Theory: Histological images of adipose tissue and blood vessels |
|
Practical: Part A *Microtomy on liver (14 slides) |
Practical: Part B Specimen reception – matching samples and request form for 10 samples Embedding of samples |
|
Week 7 |
25/03/2019 |
Theory: Bone and biopsies processing Practical: Group A & B
|
Week 8 |
1/04/2019 |
Assessment 3. SIMULATED LIMS ASSESSMENT (Identify non-compliant specimen request forms and log acceptable specimens into LIMs)
|
|
Week 9
|
8/04/2019 |
Theory: Histological images of nerve tissue Practical part I: Group A & B
|
|
Practical: Part A *Microtomy on lung (6 slides)
OHS and preparation of reagents exercises |
Practical: Part B
OHS and preparation of reagents exercises |
|
Week 10 |
15/04/2019-26/04/2019 |
Mid-semester break starts Friday – no class
|
|
Week 11
|
29/04/2019 |
Theory: Histological images of muscular tissue (skeletal and cardiac) |
|
Practical: Part A OHS and preparation of reagents exercises Biopsy embedding |
Practical: Part B *Microtomy on lung (6 slides)
Bone and Biopsy embedding
|
|
|
Week 12
|
6/05/2019 |
Theory: Histological images of upper and lower digestive system |
|
Practical: Part A *Microtomy skin (10 slides) |
Practical: Part B Staining H & E (occasion #1) |
|
Week 13 |
13/05/2019 |
Theory: Histological images of Haematopoietic tissues |
|
Practical: Part A Staining H & E (occasion #1) |
Practical: Part B *Microtomy skin (10 slides) |
|
|
Week 14
|
20/05/2019 |
Catch up on embedding microtomy. Checkpoint - by now you have cut: 10 x kidney 14 x liver 6x lung By now you have embedded:
|
|
Week 15
|
27/05/2019 |
Assessment 4. END OF SEMESTER 1 PRACTICAL EXAM – prepare specimens for cut up |
Week 16/17 |
3/06/2019-10/06/2019 |
Assessment 5. END OF SEMESTER 1 THEORY EXAM - Online Quiz 1: tissue processing, embedding, microtomy |
Week18 |
17/06/2019- 05/07/2019 |
Semester break |
|
SEMESTER 2 starts | ||
|
Week 1
|
8/07/2019 |
Theory: Introduction to staining Assessment 6. OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST – staining |
|
Practical: Part A *Microtomy tongue (7 slides) |
Practical: Part B Staining H & E (occasion # 2) |
|
|
Week 2
|
15/07/2019 |
Theory: Routine Haematoxylin & Eosin staining (H &E) |
|
Practical: Part A Staining H & E (occasion # 2) |
Practical: Part B *Microtomy tongue (7 slides) |
|
|
Week 3
|
22/07/2019
|
Theory: Pigments |
|
Practical: Part A *Microtomy tongue (7 slides. Aim to have a total of 14 tongues slides by now) |
Practical: Part B Staining H & E (occasion # 3) |
|
|
Week 4
|
29/07/2019 |
Theory: Connective tissue stains |
|
Practical: Part A Staining H & E (occasion # 3)
|
Practical: Part B *Microtomy tongue (7 slides. Aim to have a total of 14 tongues slides by now) |
|
|
Week 5
|
05/08/2019 |
Theory: Staining for Carbohydrates |
|
Practical: Part A Total number of slide/sections to date: Kidney= 10, Liver =14, Skin=10, Lung=6 Tongues=14 Microtomy: Catch up
Staining PAS (Kidney section X1) occasion # 1 Staining PTAH (tongue section x1) occasion # 1 |
Practical: Part B Staining PAS (Kidney section X1) occasion # 1 Staining PTAH (tongue section x1) occasion # 1
|
|
|
Week 6
|
12/08/2019 |
Theory: Staining for Mucins |
|
Practical: Part A Staining PAS (Kidney section X1) occasion # 2 Staining PTAH (tongue section x1) occasion # 2
|
Practical: Part B Total number of slide/sections to date: Kidney= 10, Liver =14, Skin=10, Lung=6 Tongues=14 Microtomy: Catch up Staining PAS (Kidney section X1) occasion # 2 Staining PTAH (tongue section x1) occasion # 2 |
|
|
Week 7
|
19/08/2019 |
Theory: Histological images of respiratory system |
|
Practical: Perls staining for iron deposits (diseased liver x1 and normal liver x1) occasion # 1 Masson staining for connective tissue (Skin x 1) occasion # 1
Start taking photos of stained slides for portfolio: H & E, PAS, PTAH, Perls, Masson | ||
Week 8 |
26/08/2019 |
7. MID-SEMESTER 2 THEORY EXAM – Online Quiz 2 general staining knowledge |
|
2/09/2019 |
Mid-semester break |
|
Week 9
|
9/09/2019 |
Theory: Histological images of urinary system |
|
Practical: Perls staining for iron deposits (diseased liver x1 and normal 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 | ||
|
Week 10
|
16/09/2019 |
Theory: Histological images of male and female reproductive system |
|
Practical: PAS/PASD staining for carbohydrates (diseased liver x2) occasion # 1
Take photos of stained slides for portfolio: H & E, PAS, PTAH, Perls, Masson | ||
|
Week 11
|
23/09/2019 |
Theory: Polarising Microscopy |
|
Practical: PAS/PASD staining for carbohydrates (diseased liver x2) occasion # 2
Take photos of stained slides: H & E, PAS, PTAH, Perls, Masson, PASD | ||
Week 12 |
30/09/2019 |
Theory: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Practical: AB staining for Mucins (stomach x1) occasion # 1 |
|
Week 13
|
7/10/2019 |
Theory: Cryotomy Practical: AB staining for Mucins (stomach x1) occasion # 2 |
Week 14 |
14/10/2019 |
Archive Box: Labelled stained slides to be archived, record slide location in your portfolio. |
|
Week 15
|
21/10/2019 |
Archive Box: Labelled stained slides to be archived, record slide location in your portfolio.
SUBMIT: 8. END OF SEMESTER 2 PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION |
|
Week 16/17
|
28/10/2019 |
9. END OF SEMESTER 2 THEORY EXAM – Online Quiz 3 IHC, Polarising Microscope.
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Recommended textbook: Wheater’s Functional Histology: A text and colour Atlas. 5th edition. Authors: Barbara Young, James S. Lowe, Alan Stevens, John W. Heath.
Overview of Assessment
written tests
practical tests
Laboratory logbook
online quizzes
Assessment Tasks
|
Assessment tasks Each task must be completed satisfactorily before Competence is achieved for the full subject/unit. |
Date |
Result |
*Grades allocated |
|
|
|
|
|||
SEMESTER 1 | ||||
Assessment 1. OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST- embedding |
25/02-20/05 |
S/NYS |
- |
|
Assessment 2. OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST- microtomy |
25/02-27/07 |
S/NYS |
- |
|
Assessment 3.SIMULATED LIMS ASSESSMENT (Identify non-compliant specimen request forms and log acceptable specimens into LIMs) |
1/04/2019 |
- |
15 |
|
Assessment 4. END OF SEMESTER 1 PRACTICAL EXAM – prepare specimens for cut up |
27/05/2019 |
S/NYS |
- |
|
Assessment 5. END OF SEMESTER 1 THEORY EXAM - Online Quiz 1: tissue processing, embedding, microtomy |
03/06/19 |
- |
15 |
|
SEMESTER 2 | ||||
Assessment 6. OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST – staining |
08/07-21/10 |
S/NYS |
- |
|
Assessment 7. MID-SEMESTER 2 THEORY EXAM – Online Quiz 2 general staining knowledge |
26/08/2019 |
- |
15 |
|
Assessment 8. END OF SEMESTER PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION |
27/10/2019 |
- |
40 |
|
Assessment 9. END OF SEMESTER 2 THEORY EXAM – Online Quiz 3 IHC, Polarising Microscope. |
29/10/2019 |
- |
15 |
|
|
|
|
Total: 100 |
|
Assessment Matrix
Other Information
Decision making rules
Every task must be completed satisfactorily for competence to be achieved.
*Competence must be achieved before grades are allocated.
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 should be emailed to the Program Coordinator. 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, 5 days 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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