Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 12:50 AM AWST

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Perform clinic pathology procedures

Perform clinic pathology procedures

Unit of competency
National Code
ACMVET403A
State Code
D3940
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
2.00
Current Release Date
07/12/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/04/2013
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
05/04/2013
Nominal Hours
40
Description
This Unit of Competency covers the process of collecting biological samples and performing pathology procedures. The integrity of the sample must be maintained in accordance with veterinarian instructions when conducting clinic examinations and in preparing consignments to diagnostic laboratories.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Implement pathology procedures
  • 1.1. Pathology equipment is cleaned, maintained and prepared for use in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.
  • 1.2. Patient is prepared for sampling procedure as instructed and in accordance with workplace health and safety requirements.
  • 1.3. Samples are taken as directed and placed in correctly labelled containers.
  • 1.4. Slides are prepared for microscopic examination.
  • 1.5. Patient and sample details are recorded.
  • 1.6. Sample transfer to laboratory is facilitated as instructed.
  • 1.7. Laboratory test results are received, recorded and reported to the veterinarian.
2. Perform and record appropriate tests
  • 2.1. Haematological and blood chemistry tests are performed using specific laboratory equipment.
  • 2.2. Clinic pathology tests are performed as directed by the veterinarian.
  • 2.3. Test results are recorded in clinic patient record and communicated to the attending veterinarian.
3. Assist with post-mortem examination
  • 3.1. Supervising veterinarian is notified of death and details are recorded.
  • 3.2. Equipment and animal are prepared for post-mortem as instructed.
  • 3.3. Samples for pathological examination are stored and labelled.
  • 3.4. Post-mortem debris and biological wastes are disposed of in accordance with legislative requirements.
The range statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. 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) may also be included.
Pathology equipment may include:
biopsy punch
in-house diagnostic equipment
microscopes
needles
refractometer
slides
syringe
tissue forceps, scalpels, knives and scales.
Workplace health and safety risks when working with animals may include:
animal bites, kicks, scratches and crush injuries
biological hazardous waste and sharps disposal
handling of chemicals and medicines
gas leakage
inhalation of aerosol particles
intraocular contamination
manual handling, including carrying, lifting and shifting
needle pricks and cuts from other sharps
release of infective agents (animal and human)
slippery or uneven work surfaces
zoonoses.
Samples taken may include:
blood
faeces
gram stain smear
hair samples
milk
saliva
semen
skin scrapings
tissue (skin and scale)
urine
vomitus
wound material.
Laboratory tests may include:
blood tests:
activated clotting time
biochemistry
blood gases
cross-match
differential cell count
haematocrit
haematology
pH
platelet numbers
serum electrolytes and chemistries
total serum protein
urea nitrogen
white cell count
microscopic examination of samples
parasite counts
urinalysis and cytological evaluation of urine and body cavity fluids.
Pathology tests may include:
tests for antigens and antibodies, and internal or external parasites.
Equipment used during a post-mortem may include:
cleaning equipment trolleys
knives and needles
necropsy saw
scales
specimen containers
surgical instruments.
Samples may include:
blood or faecal samples
stained or unstained slides for microscopic examination
tissue stored in formaldehyde.
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.
Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit
The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this Unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this Unit. Assessors should ensure that candidates can:
prepare equipment, slides and patients for examination
take a range of samples for testing
perform basic laboratory tests and record results
provide support for post-mortem examinations
communicate effectively with the veterinarian
maintain accurate records.
The skills and knowledge required to perform clinic pathology procedures must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts and include the ability to deal with unplanned events.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment of this Unit is to be largely practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in a veterinary practice or in a situation that reproduces normal work conditions.
There must be access in either situation to the appropriate equipment and/or resources to enable the candidate to demonstrate competence.
Method of assessment
To ensure consistency of performance, competency should be demonstrated, to industry defined standards, on more than two occasions over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, patients, cases and responsibilities and over a number of assessment activities.
The assessment strategy must include practical skills assessment. Suggested strategies for this Unit are:
written and/or oral assessment of candidate's required knowledge
observed, documented and first-hand testimonial evidence of candidate's application of practical tasks
simulation exercises that reproduce normal work conditions
third-party evidence
workplace documentation
portfolio.
This Unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other Units of Competency relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands (e.g. literacy and numeracy demands) and the needs of particular target groups (e.g. people with disabilities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, people with a language background other than English, youth and people from low socioeconomic backgrounds).
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
S4053 RUV4603A Perform clinic pathology procedures Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OAL18 ACMVET403 Perform clinical pathology procedures Unit of competency