Perform molecular biology tests and procedures

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:40 PM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
MSL975061

State Code
OEX68

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Approved

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
20/12/2022

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

24/05/2023

Field of Education

019909 - Laboratory Technology

Original Release Date

24/05/2023

Nominal Hours

120

Description

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to isolate, purify, verify and manipulate biomolecules and their products. This work requires close attention to working with small volumes, multiple-step procedures and prevention of contamination. Personnel are required to apply a wide range of molecular biology tests and procedures.This unit applies to technical officers working in manufacturing (e.g. macro, micro, nanotechnology, pharmaceutical and blood products), food, biomedical (e.g. forensics, pathology and veterinary) and environmental industry sectors. Results are generally interpreted and reported to supervising scientists, medical, veterinary or other responsible officers of a workplace, regulatory authority or legal agency.No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Interpret and schedule test requirements

1.1 Review test request to identify samples to be tested, test method and equipment/instruments involved
1.2 Identify hazards and workplace control measures associated with the sample, preparation methods, reagents and/or equipment

2. Receive and handle samples

2.1 Register samples in accordance with workplace procedures, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody traceable to employee
2.2 Match sample provided to accompanying documentation and report any discrepancies in accordance with workplace procedures
2.3 Store samples in accordance with workplace and test method requirements

3. Prepare equipment and reagents

3.1 Set up equipment/instrumentation in accordance with workplace procedures and perform pre-use and safety checks
3.2 Select and collect reagents in accordance with test method requirements
3.3 Prepare and label reagents in accordance with test method requirements

4. Extract, verify and manipulate biomolecules

4.1 Produce/extract biomolecules from samples using appropriate methods
4.2 Prevent contamination of samples by unwanted biomolecules
4.3 Recognise the presence of common inhibitors of biomolecular reactions and take corrective action
4.4 Quantify and qualify biomolecular yields from purified extractions
4.5 Use appropriate techniques to prepare and test a range of biomolecular samples
4.6 Use controls and reference standards to confirm the integrity of biomolecular sample preparation and procedures
4.7 Troubleshoot basic procedure, reagent or equipment problems which have led to atypical data or results

5. Report and communicate results

5.1 Record and/or check data in accordance with workplace procedures
5.2 Follow procedures to ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
OAC46	MSL975034	Perform molecular biology tests and procedures	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BIX5	MSL50122	Diploma of Laboratory Technology	Qualification
AF139	MSLSS00011	Molecular Biology Skill set	Skill set