Course Title: Receive and prepare samples for testing

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2024

Course Code: BIOL5240C

Course Title: Receive and prepare samples for testing

School: 535T Social Care and Health

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4397 - Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

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

Melissa Amerena

melissa.amerena@rmit.edu.au

 

Shubhechha Joshi Shrestha

shubhechha.joshi.shrestha@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 30

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

None

Course Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to log samples, check sample documentation, and schedule and prepare samples for testing in accordance with workplace procedures. This unit does not include testing, tissue processing or similar techniques.

This unit of competency applies to field and laboratory assistants in all industry sectors who receive and prepare samples as part/all of their job in a sample reception area. 


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

MSL953003 Receive and prepare samples for testing

Element:

1. Log samples

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Record date (and time of arrival, if required) of samples at workplace 1.2 Check and match samples with request forms before they are accepted 1.3 Enter details of samples into the laboratory information management system (LIMS) 1.4 Apply required document tracking procedures 1.5 Process 'urgent' test requests according to workplace requirements 1.6 Ensure security and traceability of all information, laboratory data and records

Element:

2. Address client and customer service issues

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Report to referring client/supervisor when samples and request forms do not comply with workplace requirements 2.2 Maintain confidentiality of all client/workplace data and information 2.3 Ensure that information provided to customers is accurate, relevant and authorised for release 2.4 Deal with customers politely and efficiently and in accordance with workplace procedures

Element:

3. Prepare samples for testing

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Perform physical separation of the samples, as required 3.2 Prepare the required number of sub-samples 3.3 Perform chemical separation of the samples, as required 3.4 Place samples in appropriate transport media, as required 3.5 Monitor and control sample conditions before, during and after processing

Element:

4. Distribute samples

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Group samples requiring similar testing requirements 4.2 Distribute samples to workstations maintaining sample integrity 4.3 Distribute request forms for data entry or filing in accordance with workplace procedures 4.4 Check that samples and relevant request forms have been received by laboratory personnel

Element:

5. Maintain a safe work area and environment

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Apply safe work practices to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel 5.2 Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety when sampling, processing, transferring or disposing of samples 5.3 Report all accidents and spillages to supervisor 5.4 Clean up splashes and spillages immediately using appropriate techniques and precautions 5.5 Minimise the generation of wastes and environmental impacts 5.6 Ensure the safe disposal of hazardous materials and other laboratory wastes


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Students are expected to participate actively in all learning activities that include:

- pre-class preparation using the video/interactive resources provided

- working independently to check samples arriving for testing

- completing documentation of samples received


Teaching Schedule

Note: While all course content in this schedule** will be covered, the weekly order may change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources. Syllabus is also subject to changing as per RMIT & government safety advise

WEEK

#

Week starting

Mon

THEORY / LAB

Assessment Type

ASSESSMENT DUE

9

15-Apr

THEORY

Intro to course & Specimen Reception

AT2

 

10

22-Apr

LAB 1

Specimen Reception with sLIMS (2 samples)

AT1

AT1 (logbook & sLIMS)

11

29-Apr

LAB 2

Specimen Reception with sLIMS (4 samples)

AT1

AT1 (logbook & sLIMS)

AT2: Quizzes

12

6-May

LAB 3

Specimen Reception with sLIMS (2 samples)

AT1

AT1 (logbook & sLIMS)

AT1 Questions

 

13

13-May

LAB 4

Specimen Reception with sLIMS (2 samples)

AT3

AT3 (logbook)

AT3 Questions

 

14

20-May

LAB 5

Specimen Reception with subsampling (3 samples)

AT3

AT3 (logbook)

AT3 Questions

15

27-May

LAB 5 (cont.)

AT3

 

 

16

3-Jun

Catch up

AT1 & AT3

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

None (Learning material provided on Canvas)


References

None (Learning material provided on Canvas)


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may include observation of skills, folio of work completed, quizzes


Assessment Tasks

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 within given time-frame (usually within two weeks of assessment submission) of each assessment task. You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria and due dates

To successfully complete this course you need to be satisfactory in all of the following assessments:

 

Assessment Task When

AT1: sLIMS practical

Assessed  each lab session (weeks 10 -13)

AT2: Workplace procedures knowledge 

Due in Week 11

AT3: Practical Observations

Assessed  each lab session (weeks 14 & 15)

 

You will be given two attempts for each assessment to demonstrate the required skills. A third attempt can only be offered after discussions between teacher and the Program Coordinator and is not automatic


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

This course is graded in accordance with competency-based assessment

  • CA Competency Achieved
  • NYC Not Yet Competent
  • DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

Attendance: 

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 & Plagiarism:

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.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview