Course Title: Perform histological tests

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2023

Course Code: BIOL5250C

Course Title: Perform histological tests

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities.  

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption.  

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209.  

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus  

  

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance.  

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5388 - Diploma of Laboratory Technology

Course Contact: Rauha Quazi

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4277

Course Contact Email: rauha.quazi@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

brooke.backman@rmit.edu.au

christine.andrews@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 200

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

MSL973019  Perform microscopic examination

MSL954003  Relate anatomical and physiological features to laboratory samples

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge 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:

MSL975029 Perform histological tests

Element:

1. Process specimens and associated request forms

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with minimum industry requirements for labelling, identification and test requests 1.2 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

Element:

2. Process tissue

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Select processor program for routine and non-routine samples 2.2 Perform equipment pre-use checks on the tissue processor to ensure sample integrity is maintained

Element:

3. Embed tissue

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Perform equipment pre-use check on embedding centre to ensure samples integrity and uninterrupted embedding of processor load 3.2 Embed tissue types in correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss and artefacts during microtomy 3.3 Check tissue for complete processing prior to embedding 3.4 Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues 3.5 Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards

Element:

4. Cut tissue sections

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Check the flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use 4.2 Prepare and adjust all external parts of a microtome and associated equipment to accommodate requirements of tissue batch 4.3 Secure block in microtome following specified safety directions 4.4 Orientate the block correctly for each specific tissue in order to maintain sample integrity and minimise artefacts 4.5 Cut thin tissue sections according to needs of subsequent procedures, maintaining sample integrity, minimising artefacts and conserving tissue for further testing 4.6 Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues 4.7 Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches that on the block 4.8 Compare the blocks and sections ensuring the tissue on slides matches that in the blocks 4.9 Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues 4.10 Identify, troubleshoot and resolve common section quality control issues 4.11 Inspect sections and reject any that do not meet quality control standards

Element:

5. Stain tissue sections

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Prepare labile reagents for immediate use 5.2 Select reagents for specified technique, ensuring reagent sequence matches standard procedure 5.3 Stain sections according to method using the required quality control section and accommodating any authorised variations 5.4 Mount slides using medium compatible with staining technique ensuring no bubbles 5.5 Examine control sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes are achieved and procedural artefacts are detected 5.6 Collate and cross-check slides, blocks and test request forms to ensure requirements have been met 5.7 Attach permanent label with case, specimen and stain details as required by workplace 5.8 Confirm microscopically that the type/disease is appropriate and still present in the control sections for each stain 5.9 Approve slides and release to pathologist

Element:

6. Maintain laboratory records

Performance Criteria:

6.1 Complete control stain quality assessment forms to report quality control outcomes 6.2 File and store samples to facilitate efficient retrieval as required 6.3 Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checks

Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Class activities to review discussions/lectures, practical demonstrations in the laboratory, simulated workplace activities.


Teaching Schedule

BIOL2520C_MSL975029 PERFORM HISTOLOGICAL TESTS

SEMESTER 1, 2023

 

WEEK

WEEK BEGINNING

SEMESTER SCHEDULE / TOPIC FOCUS

1

06/02/2023

Practical:

No prac allocated for Week 1

Theory:

  • Introduction to Histology
  • Preparation of Tissue Theory: Fixation, Processing, Embedding, Microtomy Sectioning, Staining
  • Preparation for Surgical Cut Up

2

13/02/2023

Practical:

  • Tissue collection, dissection (cut-up) and fixation: skin (epithelial), lung (large tissue), trachea (tubular) and kidney (small tissue) – tissue preparation for embedding

Theory:

  • Complete OHS form online
  • Discuss specimen reception, macroscopic cut-up and tissue fixation (preservation) 
  • Introduction to paraffin wax tissue embedding and orientation

3

20/02/2023

Practical:

  • Complete a risk assessment form for a histology laboratory
  • Read and discuss observation checklists and criteria for each task
  • Introduction to microtomy and the AT2 OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST- microtomy weekly throughout the year
  • Embedding and microtomy demonstrations

Theory:

  • Tissue accessioning (labelling samples)
  • Specimen reception (receiving samples in the lab)
  • Examine an automated tissue processing machine, practical manual activity- design a tissue processing program

4

27/02/2023

Practical:

  • AT3 Part 1: Specimen reception – matching samples and request form for 10 samples (half the class) (Identify non-compliant specimen request forms and log acceptable specimens into LIMs)
  • Introduction to the AT1 OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST - embedding weekly throughout the year – Embedding of samples
  • Other half of the class- take 1 microscope each - examine histology slide box
  • Microtomy

Theory:

  • Microtomy sectioning– an introduction to the theory
  • Tissue processing troubleshooting and possible effects on microtomy (activity)

5

06/03/2023

Practical:

  • AT3 Part 1: Specimen reception – matching samples and request form for 10 samples (half the class) (Identify non-compliant specimen request forms and log acceptable specimens into LIMs)
  • Introduction to the AT1 OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST - embedding weekly throughout the year – Embedding of samples
  • Other half of the class- take 1 microscope each - examine histology slide box
  • Microtomy

Theory:

  • Introduction to staining Pigments
  • OHS and preparation of reagents exercise. Read the MSDS sheets for each stain and complete the MSDS activity.

6

13/03/2023

Practical:

No practical class – public holiday

Theory:

  • Epithelial Tissue Types

7

20/03/2023

Practical:

  • Embedding of samples
  • Microtomy
  • Perls staining for iron pigment deposits (1 x spleen slides) occasion # 1
  • Introduction to the AT5 OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST – staining weekly throughout the year

Theory:

  • Kidney histology

8

27/03/2023

Practical:

  • Embedding of samples
  • Microtomy
  • Perls staining for iron pigment deposits (1 x spleen slides) occasion # 2

Theory:

  • Staining for Carbohydrates and Mucins

9

03/04/2023

Practical:

  • Embedding of samples
  • Microtomy
  • Staining PAS (1 x Kidney slide, staining of the basement membrane) occasion # 1

Theory:

No theory class – public holiday

 

10/04/2023

MID-SEMESTER BREAK

10/04/2023 – 14/04/2023

10

17/04/2023

Practical:

  • Embedding of samples
  • Microtomy
  • Staining PAS (1 x Kidney slide, staining of the basement membrane) occasion # 2

Theory:

  • Gastrointestinal tract (GI)

11

24/04/2023

Practical:

  • Embedding
  • Microtomy
  • PAS / PASD staining for carbohydrates (2 x liver slides one slide with enzyme one slide without enzyme) occasion # 1

Theory:

  • Theory class: AT3 Part 2. online assessment - SIMULATED LIMS ASSESSMENT (Identify non-compliant specimen request forms and log acceptable specimens into LIMs)

12

01/05/2023

Practical:

  • Embedding
  • Microtomy
  • PAS / PASD staining for carbohydrates (2 x liver slides one slide with enzyme one slide without enzyme) occasion # 2

Theory:

  • Skin and connective tissue

13

08/05/2023

Practical:

  • Embedding
  • Microtomy
  • PAS/PASD staining for carbohydrates (2x liver slides one slide with enzyme one slide without enzyme) occasion # 1

Theory:        

  • Principles of Haematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) staining
  • Activity: analyse H & E results and practice troubleshooting skills

14

15/05/2023

Practical:

  • Embedding
  • Microtomy
  • PAS/PASD staining for carbohydrates (2x liver slides one slide with enzyme one slide without enzyme) occasion # 2

Theory:

  • Nervous tissue histology

15

22/05/2023

Practical:

  • Embedding
  • Microtomy
  • AB staining for Mucins (1 x intestine slide) occasion # 1

Theory:

  • Theory class : on campus AT4 END OF SEMESTER 1 THEORY EXAM - Quiz 1:  tissue processing, embedding, microtomy

16

29/05/2023

Practical:

  • AB staining for Mucins (1 x intestine slide) occasion # 2
  • Checkpoint analysis:
  • By now you have stained:
  • 2 occasions Perls using spleen or liver tissue
  • 2 occasions PAS/PASD using 2 liver sections on each occasion
  • 2 occasions AB using intestine
  • All slides pass QC according to industry standards

Theory:

  • AT3 Part 2. sLIMs re-sit opportunity

17

05/06/2023

Practical:

No practical class

Theory:

  • Resits AT4 END OF SEMESTER 1 THEORY EXAM - Quiz 1:  tissue processing, embedding, microtomy

This schedule is subject to change – students will be notified of any changes by the course coordinator

 

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

The University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:

The Learning Lab

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab

The Study Support Hub 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub

English for uni workshops

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include

Knowledge tests

Observation of laboratory skills

Folio of prepared slides

Logbook of results


Assessment Tasks

Overview of assessments: Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class activities, completion of observation checklist, portfolio and through the application of learned practical skills and knowledge. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS assignments module.

 

Assessment tasks: Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. 

To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.

 

Assessment tasks

Each task must be completed satisfactorily before Competence is achieved for the full subject/unit.

Date

Result
S (Satisfactory)
NS (not satisfactory)

EOP Quiz

Starts week 3

S/SN

AT1 OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST- embedding

Starts week 4

S/NS

AT2 OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST- microtomy

Starts week 3

S/NS

AT3 Part 1 SPECIMEN RECEPTION Identify non-compliant specimen request forms

Week 4/5

S/NS

AT3 Part 2SIMULATED LIMS ASSESSMENT log acceptable specimens into sLIMs

Week 10

S/NS

AT4 END OF SEMESTER 1 THEORY EXAM - Online Quiz 1:  tissue processing, embedding, microtomy

Week 15

S/NS

AT5 OBSERVATIONAL CHECKLIST –  staining

Starts week 7

S/SN

AT6. END SEMESTER 2 THEORY EXAM – Online Quiz 2 general staining knowledge, IHC, Polarising Microscope.

Week 15

Semester 2

S/NS

AT 7. END SEMESTER PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION

30/10/23

S/NS

Decision making rules

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

CA = Competency Achieved

NYC = Not Yet Competent

DNS = Did Not Submit (1 or more assessments)

 

 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required. 

Other Information

Attendance: Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises. It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.

 

Information about your studies: You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc. https://www.rmit.edu.au/students

 

Extensions of time for submission of assessable work: If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time by circumstances outside your control you may apply for an extension of up to seven (7) calendar days in writing (email) to your Program Coordinator one working day BEFORE the due date. Eligibility criteria for application and the form is available from the link: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration.

Special consideration: If due to illness or other unforeseen circumstance, you are unable to attend on the due date of an assessment (e.g. test, examination, oral, etc.), you may submit an application for special consideration within 5 working days of the due date. If special consideration is granted, you will be given the opportunity to complete/repeat the assessment task at a later date. For advice on this application please visit www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

or speak to your Program Coordinator.

 

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism: RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy. https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity

 

Reasonable adjustment

Reasonable adjustment is an individualised modification made to the training delivery or assessment methods to enable a student with specific needs to access and participate. Reasonable adjustment may include changed assessment conditions, flexibility in assessments, other academic support, and provision of adaptive equipment and in class support.

Reasonable adjustment is applied within the start date and end date for the subject/unit being undertaken.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview