Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
24/07/2026 7:45 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 molecular biology tests and procedures

Perform molecular biology tests and procedures

Unit of competency
National Code
MSL975014
State Code
AWN87
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
120
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability 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 of competency is applicable 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.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 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 Log and label samples according to workplace procedures
  • 2.2 Record sample description, compare with specification and note and report discrepancies
  • 2.3 Store samples in accordance with workplace and test method requirements
  • 2.4 Maintain chain of custody, traceable to the worker, for all samples
3 Prepare equipment and reagents
  • 3.1 Set up equipment/instrumentation in accordance with test method requirements 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 isolation 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
5 Process data
  • 5.1 Record test data noting atypical observations
  • 5.2 Ensure results are consistent with reference standards and expectations
  • 5.3 Record and report results in accordance with test methods
  • 5.4 Interpret trends in data and/or results and report out-of-specification or atypical results promptly to appropriate personnel
  • 5.5 Troubleshoot basic procedure, reagent or equipment problems which have led to atypical data or results
6 Maintain a safe work environment
  • 6.1 Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
  • 6.2 Minimise the generation of waste
  • 6.3 Ensure the safe disposal of waste, including hazardous waste and tested samples
  • 6.4 Clean, care for and store equipment and reagents
7 Report and communicate results
  • 7.1 Record approved data into workplace system
  • 7.2 Keep accurate, traceable work records to protect the workplace's intellectual property (IP) rights
  • 7.3 Maintain confidentiality and security of workplace information and laboratory data
  • 7.4 Maintain equipment logs in accordance with workplace procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WA743 MSL975014A Perform molecular biology tests and procedures Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAC46 MSL975034 Perform molecular biology tests and procedures Unit of competency