Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:58 AM 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.

Perform histological procedures

Perform histological procedures

Unit of competency
National Code
MSL973008
State Code
AWO14
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
01/03/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
16/08/2016
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
16/08/2016
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to perform straightforward histological procedures involving processing and sectioning (by hand or rotary microtome) of plant and animal tissues in paraffin wax. This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants working in biomedical, biotechnology, environmental and education sectors. Personnel will work under direct supervision and have ready access to workplace procedures. While no specific licensing or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication, laboratory operations are governed by relevant legislation, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements. Local requirements should be checked.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Assemble equipment and materials
  • 1.1 Confirm the number and type of sections required
  • 1.2 Collect equipment and arrange the workspace so that equipment can be used safely and efficiently
  • 1.3 Perform pre-use and safety checks to ensure equipment is fit for purpose
  • 1.4 Report faulty or unsafe equipment to appropriate personnel
  • 1.5 Inspect processor reagents for deterioration and adequate volume, and report any items requiring replacement
2 Process and embed plant and animal tissue
  • 2.1 Select program and reagents for processing
  • 2.2 Monitor processor regularly during processing sequence to ensure dehydration, clearing and infiltration are complete
  • 2.3 Check that temperature of wax is suitable for embedding process
  • 2.4 Check that volume of wax is sufficient for uninterrupted embedding of processor load
  • 2.5 Embed tissue in correct orientation
  • 2.6 Allow block to solidify evenly according to wax requirements
3 Cut sections of plant and animal tissue
  • 3.1 Place and secure block and knife in microtome strictly in accordance with safety directions
  • 3.2 Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements
  • 3.3 Cut ribbons of representative sections at the required thickness observing prescribed safety measures
  • 3.4 Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues
  • 3.5 Pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring identification on slides matches that on block
  • 3.6 Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between samples
  • 3.7 Cut freehand sections of plant tissue as required
  • 3.8 Inspect sections and reject items that do not meet specifications
4 Stain sections
  • 4.1 Select reagents specified in the method
  • 4.2 Stain sections according to the method
  • 4.3 Examine sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes have been achieved
  • 4.4 Mount sections to ensure long-term preservation
  • 4.5 Attach permanent labels giving specimen details according to workplace traceability requirements
5 Maintain a safe work environment
  • 5.1 Ensure personal safety and minimise cross-contamination through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • 5.2 Handle all specimens and equipment in accordance with workplace safety protocols/procedures
  • 5.3 Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment
  • 5.4 Minimise generation of waste and environmental impacts
  • 5.5 Collect and dispose of all wastes safely
  • 5.6 Report hazards and incidents to designated personnel using workplace procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WA712 MSL973008A Perform histological procedures Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAC52 MSL973020 Perform histological procedures Unit of competency