Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:44 PM AWST

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Prepare culture media

Prepare culture media

Unit of competency
National Code
MSL973003
State Code
AWO21
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
20
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to prepare culture media which is free of contamination to facilitate optimal growth of organisms and cells. It includes the ability to organise the materials, equipment and work environment and follow standard methods. Media may be prepared from formulated powders obtained from microbiological companies or by first principles under supervision of a technical officer or scientist.This unit of competency is applicable to laboratory assistants in the biomedical, biological, environmental, food processing and pharmaceutical industry sectors.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 Prepare culture media
  • 1.1 Prepare mixture of media and solvent to ensure solution and even settling of heat soluble materials
  • 1.2 Label media to allow tracking in subsequent processes
  • 1.3 Use a vessel large enough to endure adequate mixing and heating of the media
  • 1.4 Dispense media into vessels for sterilisation, leaving room for expansion during heating and cooling
2 Sterilise media
  • 2.1 Load the steriliser in keeping with maximum permitted loads and appropriate positioning of materials
  • 2.2 Ensure a sterilisation indicator is correctly placed with the load to monitor sterilisation process
  • 2.3 Operate sterilisation cycle in accordance with manufacturer requirements to achieve sterilisation at the required settings
  • 2.4 Cool media to the temperature specified in the media formulation procedures
3 Pour, label and store media
  • 3.1 Add labile constituents where necessary, under conditions that will not lead to their denaturation or contamination of media
  • 3.2 Ensure even mixing of additives and media before dispensing
  • 3.3 Aseptically dispense media to minimise occurrence of procedural contamination
  • 3.4 Label media to allow for selection, avoiding areas of the culture vessel required for examination of colony growth
  • 3.5 Store media to maximise shelf life and minimise contamination
  • 3.6 Date batch media to ensure correct batch rotation
  • 3.7 Incubate control plates as a sterility check
4 Perform quality control checks
  • 4.1 Inspect media for any evidence of possible contamination or problems with structure or sterilisation
  • 4.2 Check useability of selective media by growth of expected organism
  • 4.3 Check stored stocks at regular intervals for conformance to required standards
5 Maintain work area and equipment to prevent cross-infection and contamination
  • 5.1 Use personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe work practices to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
  • 5.2 Place disposable and reusable items into relevant receptacles
  • 5.3 Clean and disinfect work area and equipment after use
  • 5.4 Transport disposable and reusable contaminated materials to relevant areas for disinfection, sterilisation and cleaning or disposal
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WA707 MSL973003A Prepare culture media Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAC91 MSL973015 Prepare culture media Unit of competency