This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to perform tests and procedures associated with the detection and monitoring of tissue and bodily fluid responses to normal physiological processes and disease through the identification and quantifying of chemical components. It covers tests and procedures that are usually associated with the discipline of clinical biochemistry.

This unit applies to laboratory technicians working in the biomedical industry sector. The unit principally refers to human pathology but many aspects are relevant to veterinary pathology. This unit of competency describes the testing of tissues, blood, bodily fluids (cerebrospinal fluid, peritoneal and wound aspirates, sweat and sputum), calculi, and excreta (urine and faeces) in laboratories. Tests examine and measure compounds that can give information about alterations in individual physiology and pathology, or compounds, such as therapeutic drugs or drugs of abuse, that will alter normal physiology. The tests are performed in a full or partial computerised and automated environment where large numbers of samples must be managed, analysed and their results recorded. 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 technical worker will follow workplace procedures that clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures, interpretation of data and for communicating test results to people outside the laboratory.