MSL975057 — Perform histological tests

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What an assessment for MSL975057 must cover

65 assessable components: 6 elements (35 performance criteria), 6 performance evidence and 22 knowledge evidence requirements, plus 2 foundation skills. An audit-defensible tool maps every question and task back to these — that mapping is the coverage matrix Auditori generates alongside the assessment.

Elements & performance criteria

1 Receive and check specimens and associated request forms

1.1Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with workplace requirements
1.2Record any discrepancies and indicate action required
1.3Register samples in accordance with workplace procedures, recording details that allow accurate tracking and chain of custody traceable to employee
1.4Prepare work area for safe and effective workflows

2 Process tissue

2.1Perform pre-use checks to ensure processor is fit for purpose
2.2Inspect processor reagents for deterioration and adequate volume, and report any items requiring replacement
2.3Record any issues that may impact on sample integrity and indicate action required
2.4Check reagents are in sequential order
2.5Select processor program for routine and non-routine samples

3 Embed tissue

3.1Perform pre-use check to ensure embedding centre is fit for purpose and uninterrupted embedding of processor load
3.2Embed tissue types in correct orientation and characteristics that minimise tissue loss and artefacts during microtomy
3.3Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between tissues
3.4Inspect blocks, reject and re-embed items that do not meet quality control standards

4 Cut tissue sections

4.1Label required number of microscope slides in accordance with workplace traceability requirements
4.2Check the flotation bath is ready and satisfactory for use
4.3Prepare and adjust all external parts of a microtome and associated equipment for routine sample processing
4.4Secure block in microtome following specified safety directions
4.5Orientate the block correctly for each specific tissue in order to maintain sample integrity and minimise artefacts
4.6Cut representative sections at the required thickness according to needs of subsequent procedures, maintaining sample integrity, minimising artefacts and conserving tissue for further testing
4.7Float sections onto water bath to flatten tissues and pick up sections onto microscope slides ensuring patient identification on slides matches that on the block
4.8Compare the blocks and sections ensuring the tissue on slides matches that in the blocks
4.9Apply procedures to prevent cross-contamination between patient tissues
4.10Identify, troubleshoot and resolve common section quality control issues
4.11Inspect sections and reject any that do not meet quality control standards

5 Stain tissue sections

5.1Prepare any labile reagents for immediate use
5.2Select reagents for specified technique, ensuring reagent sequence matches workplace procedure
5.3Stain sections in accordance with workplace procedures using the required quality control section and accommodating any authorised variations
5.4Mount slides using medium compatible with staining technique ensuring no bubbles
5.5Examine control sections microscopically to ensure expected staining outcomes are achieved
5.6Confirm microscopically that the type/disease is appropriate and still present in the control sections for each stain
5.7Label specimens in accordance with workplace traceability requirements
5.8Collate, approve and release slides to pathologist in accordance with workplace procedures

6 Maintain laboratory records

6.1Complete control stain quality assessment forms to report quality control outcome
6.2File and store samples to facilitate efficient retrieval as required
6.3Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checks

Performance evidence

registered at least 10 samples into a laboratory information management system (LIMS) with 100% accuracy, identifying specimens and request forms that do not comply with minimum industry requirements for labelling, identification and test requests, including: • entered at least 8 samples into the LIMS within five minutes • recorded sample and request form discrepancies and indicated what level of action is required, i.e. record only, contact submitter, continue testing or halt testing or return sample to their source with reasons for non-acceptance
embedded at least 6 tissue types that are flat, correctly orientated and in a single layer of wax, including one of each of the following: • large tissues • small tissues • multiple small biopsies in a single block • epithelial tissue such as skin or tongue • tissue prone to distortion • bone
inspected and re-embedded blocks that do not meet quality control standards
cut at least 40 paraffin embedded sections, from at least 5 different tissue types free of major wrinkles, scores and folds, at the specified thickness (the complete surface of the tissue must be present on all slides with the remaining tissue in the block conserved for future testing) to industry quality control standards
produced stained sections that consistently pass industry quality control standards, on separate occasions, that allow for diagnosis and results to be issued, including: • stained at least 5 routine paraffin embedded sections from at least 5 different tissue types to demonstrate tissue structure using a regressive haematoxylin and eosin stain • performed the periodic acid Schiff (PAS) technique using positive control tissue • performed at least 5 different specialised/histochemical stains using positive control tissues, to demonstrate at least 5 of the following: - connective tissue - muscle striations - central nervous system - basement membrane - microorganisms - pigments - deposits - carbohydrates and/or mucins - amyloid • used specialised techniques, including heat
consistently produced cover slipped slides, ensuring that no air bubbles are formed and material is preserved for the life of the slide.

Knowledge evidence

importance of recognising the uniqueness of patient histological tissues (a non-renewable resource)
purpose and process of frozen sectioning
purpose and process of surgical cut-up
advantages and disadvantages of different types of fixatives
types and purpose of tissue softening techniques
relationship between correct orientation of the tissue during embedding and ability to cut quality sections
functions of the components of a rotary microtome
purpose of each step in tissue processing and routine Haematoxylin and Eosin staining methods
basic aspects of how incorrect work practices in each histological procedure can impact on subsequent processes including the quality of the final microscopic outcome
labile nature of histological chemicals and the importance of correct preparation and storage
effects of the presence of artefacts in sections on microscopic examination of tissues including common artifacts, their cause and how to resolve them
purpose of polarising microscopy and heat in staining techniques
terminology used to describe tissue components being stained, these may be anatomical, physiological, biochemical or immunological, depending on the expected staining outcomes
microscopic anatomy of vascular tissue relevant to stain quality control
microscopic anatomy of common tissue types to enable quality control assessment of staining techniques and confirmation of tissue and stain type
purpose of staining procedures implemented (why they are used and what components they demonstrate)
basic biological principles and concepts behind the steps involved in immunohistochemical staining procedures
relationship between correct differentiation, and the ability to produce quality stained slides and troubleshoot staining issues
appropriate storage of specimens
technological advances that include automation
workplace safety procedures and precautions relevant to: • handling hazardous chemicals and stains used in the job role, including formaldehyde, xylene/limonene, ethanol • embedding and microtomy • sharps and broken glassware • environmental sustainability issues as they relate to the work task
legal and ethical requirements specific to the work task including traceability, confidentiality and security requirements of all clinical information, and laboratory data and records and legal requirements relating to the use of human tissue.

Foundation skills

Problem-solving skills: to troubleshoot issues and suggest solutions
Planning and organising skills: to work efficiently and manage time effectively.

Unit content sourced from training.gov.au — © Commonwealth of Australia, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Auditori is not affiliated with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

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Questions about assessing MSL975057

What does an assessment tool for MSL975057 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for MSL975057 needs to address all 65 unit components: 6 elements with 35 performance criteria, 6 performance evidence requirements, 22 knowledge evidence requirements, and the foundation skills. A coverage matrix mapping each question and task to these components is what an auditor looks for.

How does Auditori generate an assessment tool for MSL975057?

Auditori pulls the current release of MSL975057 from training.gov.au and generates a complete package: candidate assessment, assessor guide with model answers and observation criteria, and a coverage matrix mapping every component. A suitably qualified person then reviews and approves the draft in a built-in workflow — consistent with ASQA's guidance on AI use in VET — before export as branded PDF and editable Word.

Is the first assessment tool really free?

Yes. Every new account includes one free credit — enough to generate the complete assessment tool for MSL975057 — with no card and no subscription required. After that it's pay-as-you-go per unit.

Can I check my existing MSL975057 assessment instead of generating a new one?

Yes — upload your existing assessment or learner guide and Auditori maps it against every element, performance criterion, PE and KE of MSL975057, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.

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