This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to recognise and interpret different types of biological test samples to direct the specimen to the appropriate laboratory for testing. It covers knowledge of anatomy to interpret histology samples and knowledge of physiology to interpret pathology samples.

This unit applies to technicians who work in pathology laboratories. The unit principally refers to human pathology, but many aspects are relevant to veterinary pathology. This unit of competency assumes that the laboratory technician would operate 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 clearly describe the scope of permitted practice.