Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2025

Course Code: ONPS7816C

Course Title: Perform histological tests

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5434 - 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

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

MSL973028 Perform microscopic examination

MSL954006 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.

This unit applies to laboratory technicians and technical officers in the biomedical sector. The unit principally refers to techniques performed on human tissues, but many aspects may be relevant to animal and plant tissues. This unit of competency assumes that the technical officer would perform tests and procedures under the close supervision of scientific and/or medical staff. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow workplace procedures that will clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures, quality control procedures, interpretation of data, and for communicating test results to people outside the laboratory. Technical workers may need to interrupt their routine work in order to assist with or perform procedures to facilitate rapid diagnosis of specimens from patients in the operating theatre. The involvement of the technical officer in mortuary work will be determined by the workplace. Work of this nature will always be closely supervised by scientific/medical staff.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	MSL975057 Perform histological tests
Element:	1. Receive and check specimens and associated request forms
Performance Criteria:	1.1 Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with workplace requirements 1.2 Record any discrepancies and indicate action required 1.3 Register samples in accordance with workplace procedures, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody traceable to employee 1.4 Prepare work area for safe and effective workflows
Element:	2. Process tissue
Performance Criteria:	2.1 Perform pre-use checks to ensure processor is fit for purpose 2.2 Inspect processor reagents for deterioration and adequate volume, and report any items requiring replacement 2.3 Record any issues that may impact on sample integrity and indicate action required 2.4 Check reagents are in sequential order 2.5 Select processor program for routine and non-routine samples
Element:	3. Embed tissue
Performance Criteria:	3.1 Perform pre-use check to ensure embedding centre is fit for purpose 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 Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues 3.4 Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards
Element:	4. Cut tissue sections
Performance Criteria:	4.1 Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements 4.2 Check the flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use 4.3 Prepare and adjust all external parts of a microtome and associated equipment for routine sample processing 4.4 Secure block in microtome following specified safety directions 4.5 Orientate the block correctly for each specific tissue in order to maintain sample integrity and minimise artefacts 4.6 Cut representative sections at the required thickness according to needs of subsequent procedures, maintaining sample integrity, minimising artefacts and conserving tissue for further testing 4.7 Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues and 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 any labile reagents for immediate use 5.2 Select reagents for specified technique, ensuring reagent sequence matches workplace procedure 5.3 Stain sections in accordance with workplace procedures 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 5.6 Confirm microscopically that the type/disease is appropriate and still present in the control sections for each stain 5.7 Label specimens in accordance with workplace traceability requirements 5.8 Collate, approve and release slides to pathologist in accordance with workplace procedures
Element:	6. Maintain laboratory records
Performance Criteria:	6.1 Complete control stain quality assessment forms to report quality control outcome 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

Each theory class will include:

• Theory based learning materials presented in PowerPoint presentations
• Practicals
• class exercises to review discussions/lectorials
• analysis/critique of relevant reading material 
• seminars/workshops 
• group discussion 
• research 
• independent practical-based work 
• ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback 

Teaching Schedule

SEMESTER 1, 2025
WEEK	WEEK BEGINNING	PRAC	THEORY
1	10/02/2025	No Prac Class Online OH&S Form	Course Introduction Specimen Reception
2	17/02/2025	Specimen Reception (AT1 – Practice)	Tissue Collections Specimen collection and labelling
3	24/02/2025	Specimen Reception (AT1 – Parts A and B)	Preparations for Surgical Cut Up Tissue Fixation
4	03/03/2025	Tissue Dissections and Fixation	Tissue Processing
5	10/03/2025	Tissue Processing	Embedding
6	17/03/2025	Group 1 – Embedding Group 2 – H & E Stain Group 3 – Microscopy & Microtomy Induction	Microtomy
7	24/03/2025	Group 1 – Microscopy & Microtomy Induction Group 2 – Embedding Group 3 – H & E Stain	Principles of staining
8	31/03/2025	Group 1 – H & E Stain Group 2 – Microscopy & Microtomy Induction Group 3 – Embedding	Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining
9	07/04/2025	Perls Stain	Staining for Iron Deposits in Tissue
10	14/04/2025	Perls Stain Microtomy Schedule	No Class Public Holiday
	MID-SEMESTER BREAK 18/04/2025 – 25/04/2025
11	28/04/2025	PAS Stain	Staining for Carbohydrates and Mucins Epithelial and Kidney Tissue
12	05/05/2025	PAS Stain Microtomy Schedule	The Digestive System Skin and Connective Tissue
13	12/05/2025	PAS-D Stain	Semester Revision
14	19/05/2025	PAS-D Stain Microtomy Schedule	AT7 - END OF SEMESTER KNOWLEDGE QUIZ
15	26/05/2025	Catch Up Prac Week (TBC) Microtomy Schedule	AT7 - END OF SEMESTER KNOWLEDGE QUIZ RESITS (at discretion of Course Coordinator)
16	02/06/2025	Microtomy Schedule	No Theory Class

 

SEMESTER 2, 2025
WEEK	WEEK BEGINNING	SEMESTER SCHEDULE TOPIC FOCUS	SEMESTER SCHEDULE TOPIC FOCUS
1	14/07/2025	No Prac Class for group Microtomy Schedule	Reproductive and Respiratory Histology
2	21/07/2025	AB Stain	Staining for Glycogen and Glycoproteins in Tissue
3	28/07/2025	AB Stain Microtomy Schedule	Muscle Histology and Bone Processing
4	04/08/2025	PTAH Stain	Staining for Collagen and Muscle Fibres in Tissue
5	11/08/2025	PTAH Stain Microtomy Schedule	Masson's Trichrome Stain
6	18/08/2025	Masson's Trichrome Stain	Nervous System Histology
7	25/08/2025	Masson’s Trichrome Stain Microtomy Schedule	Immunohistochemistry Tumour Immunohistochemistry and Molecular Pathology
	MID-SEMESTER BREAK 01/09/2025 – 07/09/2025
8	08/09/2025	Catch Up Staining Session Microtomy Schedule	Frozen Sections and Intraoperative Consultation Cryostat
9	15/09/2025	Microtomy Schedule	Polarising Microscopy Light Microscopy
10	22/09/2025	Microtomy Schedule	Digital Pathology and Artificial Intelligence
11	29/09/2025	Microtomy Schedule	Forensic Histopathology
12	06/10/2025	Microtomy Schedule	Quality Control in Anatomical Pathology
13	13/10/2025	Microtomy Schedule	Semester Revision Class
14	20/10/2025	Microtomy Schedule	AT8 - END OF SEMESTER KNOWLEDGE QUIZ
15	27/10/2025	Microtomy Schedule	AT8 - END OF SEMESTER KNOWLEDGE QUIZ RESITS (at discretion of Course Coordinator)
16	03/11/2025	Microtomy Schedule

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

Computer laboratories with printing facilities are available on campus for students to use at any time that classes are not scheduled.

The library provides free study support services and resources to help you build your academic skills. This includes subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and other services. You can also access one-on-one consultations through the library. For further information:

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

Learning services available to you as a student at RMIT 

  RMIT provides a wide range of resources and opportunities to assist your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.  

  Services are available face to face and online assisting with:  

• transition to tertiary study and learning 
• study skills, academic skills including literacy, mathematics and basic sciences if relevant 
• enabling assistance if you have a disability, long term medical condition or other form of disadvantage which may impact on your learning 
• career development and employment 
• living and wellbeing (including advice on health, housing and financial matters) 
• opportunities for scholarships, leadership and study abroad 
• opportunities for participating in arts, sport, recreation, fitness activities as well as student activism and university governance 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services

We also offer a friendly and supportive environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.  

https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-values/respect-for-australian-indigenous-cultures

Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include:

• knowledge tests
• practical skills test
• practical logbooks
• presentations
• group work
• research
• lab reports
• assignments

 

Assessment Tasks

Assessment Tasks:

AT1: Specimen Reception

Part A – specimen reception

Part B – simulated laboratory information system

AT2: Process Tissue

AT3: Embedding

AT4: Microtomy

AT5: Stain Tissue Sections

AT6: Maintain Laboratory Records

AT7: Knowledge Quiz 1

AT8: Knowledge Quiz 2

Assessment Matrix

Please refer to Canvas for Assessment details 

Other Information

Attendance 

Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, and demonstration. 

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 

 

Assessment 

Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time): 

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment 

 

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 

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning  
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences. Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the Course Learning Outcomes in this course. https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit 

A student charter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers. http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter

Course Overview: Access Course Overview