Course Title: Perform histological tests
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2024
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
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Semester 1:
Semester 2:
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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
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