Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.


Assisting with autopsy may include:
Collection of specimens (e.g. blood, urine, bile, vitrious humor, cerebrospinal fluid, stomach and small bowel contents, liver, bone or other samples)
Removal and handling of organs or other body structures
Assisting with medical imaging
Taking, or assisting with taking, finger prints
Ensuring autopsy tools are sharp and safe to use


Medical Officer may refer to:
Pathologist
Government Medical Officer
Other Medical Practitioner


Equipment may include:
Autopsy table
Trolleys
Surgical instruments
Scales
Specimen containers
Necropsy saw
Suction
Knives
Needles
Body bags
Packaging materials
Sutures
Cleaning equipment
Camera
Tape recorder


Body may include:
Foetus
Neonates
Paediatrics
Adults
Skeletal remains
Body parts


Personal protective equipment may include:
Face protection
Eye protection
Gown
Apron
Surgical suits
Appropriate Gloves
Protective footwear
Protective headwear
Respirators


Checking processes may include:
Ensuring consent or Coroner's Order to autopsy has been received
Check of identification of body
Check of infectious status of body
Check for potential hazards (e.g. chemical, radiation, etc) which may be encountered during the autopsy
Check for implants and prostheses
Identification of known or suspected high risk cases
Confirmation of documentation with Medical Officer
Identification and recording of scars, tattoos and distinctive features


Photographic documentation may include:
Details of film roll and sequence number
Name of body
Name of photographer
Case number
Measuring scale
Date
Labelling of photographic object
Records of digital photography


Specimens may include:
Tissue samples
Organs
Blood
Urine
Bile
Body fluids
Cerebrospinal fluid
Stomach contents
Liver
Vitreous humor
Ascites
Other fluids (e.g. from cysts)
Other pathological specimens
Toxicological specimens


Procedures for preservation of organs and other collectedspecimens may include:
Refrigeration
Cold or frozen storage
Chemical preservation
Use of formalin and glutaraldehyde solutions
Use of bacterial and viral media
Use of blood preservatives
Use of appropriate containers
Use of cytology fixatives


Relevant legislation may include:
Relevant State and Territory Legislation concerning organ retention


Organisation policy and procedure may relate to:
Checking processes
Identification
Documentation and record keeping
Organ retention
Boundaries of the scope of the role of the Mortuary Technician
Specimen collection and preparation
Medical Imaging
Photography
Photographic documentation
Reconstruction and restoration of bodies
Evisceration procedures
Cleaning of autopsy room and equipment
Sterilisation of equipment
Waste management


Reconstruction and restoration of bodies may include:
Cleaning cavities
Packing of absorbent material
Blocking orifices
Replacement of organs
Suturing incisions
Insertion of prostheses
Washing and drying body


Infection Control policy and procedures may include:
Personal hygiene
Cleaning procedures
Cleaning of surfaces and equipment
Use of cleaning chemicals
Use of personal protective equipment
Standard and additional precautions
Disposal of clinical and other wastes


Waste may include:
Clinical wastes
Human tissue
General waste
Toxic waste


Work health and safety policy may include:
Manual handling
Use of equipment
Storage of equipment
Use of personal protective equipment
Handling of chemicals
Needlestick injuries
Maintenance of a clean working environment
Workplace injuries

EVIDENCE GUIDE

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace under the normal range of workplace conditions
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible


Method of assessment
Observation of work activities
Written tasks
Relevant formal and informal education/training courses
Interviews/questioning
Feedback from medical officer


Resource implications:
Access to an autopsy room where assessment can take place
Autopsy equipment
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Relevant legislative requirements


Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities


Related units:
This unit can be assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other mortuary units of competency is encouraged