Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:36 PM AWST

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Assist with microbiology testing

Assist with microbiology testing

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTPAT302D
State Code
WD238
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/05/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
05/08/2014
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
05/08/2014
Nominal Hours
40
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with the preparation of specimens for analysis
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to assist with microbiology testing
  • 1.1 Confirm requirements for assisting with microbiology testing with scientist
  • 1.2 Prepare media preparation, agar plates, broth, sterile solutions in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
2. Prepare specimens for analysis
  • 2.1 Prepare specimens in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
  • 2.2 Process specimens by plating onto designated media
  • 2.3 Conduct tests in accordance with instructions
  • 2.4 Seek clarification/feedback from scientist as required
  • 2.5 Follow infection control guidelines throughout procedure
3. Maintain a clean work environment
  • 3.1 Clean autoclave and laboratory equipment in accordance with laboratory guidelines
  • 3.2 Sterilise instruments as required
  • 3.3 Dispose of contaminated waste in accordance with infection control protocols
  • 3.4 Store chemicals in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
RANGE STATEMENT

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.


Specimens may include:
Blood
Cultures
Urine
Faeces
Swabs
Tissue samples
Sputum
Body fluids
CSF pleural aspirates


Simple reagents and apparatus may include:
Media preparation
Agar plates
Broth
Sterile solutions


Equipment may include:
Staining machines
Tissue homogeniser
Biohazard cabinet
Centrifuge
Incubator


Designated media to include:
Blood agar
Macconkey agar
Chocolate agar
Anaerobic agar
Other specialised agar


Tests to include:
Microscopy and culture
Staining
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
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment
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


Context of and specific resources for assessment:
Equipment
Laboratory policy and procedure manual
Work health and safety (WHS) requirements
Infection control manual


Method of assessment
Observation in the work place (if possible)
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Oral questioning
Computer aided assessment
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision


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 delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other pathology units of competency is encouraged
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D8398 HLTPAT302C Assist with microbiology testing Unit of competency