Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:59 PM AWST

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Carry out post-mortem examination of a research animal

Carry out post-mortem examination of a research animal

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMATE511
State Code
OBD67
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
10/09/2019
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
15/11/2019
Field of Education
060113 - Pathology
Original Release Date
15/11/2019
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct a post-mortem examination of a research animal for scientific purposes. Post-mortem examinations may be subject to biosecurity and quarantine regulatory and organisational requirements.This unit applies to individuals who are required to work with and care for animals used within scientific establishments for scientific purposes and teaching. All work practices must be undertaken in accordance with legislative requirements, the current Australian Code for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes (the Code), the organisation's standard operating procedures, and protocols, policies and procedures approved by the organisation's Animal Ethics Committee (AEC). Users are advised to check legislative requirements for their jurisdiction.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to conduct the post-mortem examination
  • 1.1 Identify, select and prepare appropriate site for the post-mortem according to facility and containment classification
  • 1.2 Identify containment issues and health and safety risks and take or recommend appropriate action to protect self and others
  • 1.3 Obtain and prepare correct clothing, equipment and resources to be used in the post-mortem examination
  • 1.4 Use appropriate manual lifting techniques to move the animal to be examined to the post-mortem area
  • 1.5 Confirm indicators of death in animals
  • 1.6 Confirm identity and obtain and collate all relevant preliminary information about the animal to be examined
  • 1.7 Identify abnormal characteristics that may indicate the presence of notifiable and potentially hazardous conditions or diseases, and take or recommend appropriate action
  • 1.8 Identify industry expert assistance, and access as appropriate
2. Carry out the post-mortem examination
  • 2.1 Carry out external assessment of the animal and record outward signs of abnormalities or injury
  • 2.2 Dissect animal using appropriate techniques and equipment to avoid cutting into organs or stomach cavity
  • 2.3 Examine nominated organs, tissues and structures
  • 2.4 Take and prepare samples of organs, other tissues and fluid samples where appropriate without causing damage to tissues
3. Identify and handle a range of body parts in research animals
  • 3.1 Locate, identify and handle integument and facial structures
  • 3.2 Locate, identify and handle musculoskeletal structures
  • 3.3 Locate, identify and handle digestive system structures and organs
  • 3.4 Locate, identify and handle reproductive system, organs and structures
  • 3.5 Locate, identify and handle other structures and organs relevant to post-mortem procedures conducted in the facility
4. Complete the post-mortem examination
  • 4.1 Dispose of carcass using appropriate equipment according to animal research practices and waste disposal legislation and regulations
  • 4.2 Correctly label and package samples for analysis according to organisational procedures
  • 4.3 Collate records of observations and information about the animal examined for relevant persons to analyse and diagnose
  • 4.4 Clean and disinfect post-mortem area and equipment according to organisational procedures and biosecurity requirements where applicable
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BBD86 ACMATE503 Carry out post-mortem examination of a research animal Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BET9 ACM50119 Diploma of Animal Technology Qualification