MSL975062 — Perform microbiological tests

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What an assessment for MSL975062 must cover

52 assessable components: 7 elements (25 performance criteria), 4 performance evidence and 22 knowledge evidence requirements, plus 1 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 samples and process associated request forms

1.1Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with workplace requirements
1.2Record any discrepancies or sample quality issues 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

2 Prepare for safe microbiological work and aseptic applications

2.1Apply principles of aseptic techniques to ensure sample and reagent integrity are maintained
2.2Apply principles of aseptic techniques to ensure personal and environmental safety
2.3Minimise the production and release of aerosols, using biological safety cabinets where necessary
2.4Safely dispose of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures

3 Process samples for direct examination

3.1Prepare smears of samples for subsequent staining to enable microscopic examination
3.2Prepare liquid films of specimens for direct observation for motility or cell structure
3.3Prepare samples to concentrate material for subsequent staining or microscopy

4 Prepare pure cultures for microbiological work and aseptic applications

4.1Select culture media to maximise growth and optimise production of pure microbial cultures
4.2Inoculate media aseptically, applying techniques suitable for purpose of culture
4.3Incubate inoculated media in conditions to optimise targeted growth of organisms

5 Perform procedures that can assist in the identification of microorganisms

5.1Select staining techniques to demonstrate required cellular characteristics
5.2Stain prepared films to demonstrate diagnostically useful characteristics
5.3Inoculate and incubate media with pure cultures to assist in the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms
5.4Microscopically differentiate between, red blood cells, white blood cells, micro-organisms and epithelial cells
5.5Select and perform tests on pure cultures to determine the biochemical and immunological identification of microorganisms
5.6Perform antibiotic susceptibility testing

6 Estimate the number and/or size of micro-organisms in samples

6.1Count cells in samples
6.2Prepare serial dilutions of samples aseptically for culture and colony counting
6.3Indicate the appropriate dilution necessary to reliably count organisms in a serially diluted sample
6.4Count colonies for calculating number of viable organisms per unit volume

7 Maintain records of laboratory work

7.1Record and/or check data in accordance with workplace procedures
7.2Follow procedures to ensure traceability of sample from receipt to reporting of results

Performance evidence

identified at least 5 microorganisms to species based on colonial/microscopic morphology, biochemistry and/or immunological characteristics, including: at least 1 identification must be from a mixed culture; at least 4 from the following list: Staphylococcus spp. or another Gram-positive cocci, Streptococcus spp., Pseudomonas spp., a member of the Enterobacteriaceae family, Clostridium spp. or another Gram-positive rod, Fungi
transferred materials aseptically to at least 1 solid culture and at least one 1 liquid culture, including sterilising inoculating loops before and after transfer, protecting sample integrity and minimising opportunities for cross-contamination and infection and performing quality control checks to ensure aseptic transfer was successful.
safely performed at least 8 microbiological tests/procedures for culturing, isolating, identifying and counting microorganisms, including: consistently and accurately performing and interpreting Gram staining of bacteria; using and interpreting common enriched, differential and selective media; performing agglutination techniques; coagulase testing; oxidase testing; catalase testing; use a biochemical test system with statistical interpretation; antibiotic sensitivity testing and interpretation
completing work in ways that avoid contamination of: self, other people, the work area, equipment or the samples or materials under test; media or reagents during manipulations involving the transfer of cultures.

Knowledge evidence

microbiological terminology, including bacteriology, parasitology, virology and mycology
microbial control techniques, including disinfection and sterilisation as applied to practical aspects of microbiology
relationship between sample microscopic and macroscopic appearance and indications of infection and/or contamination
microbial diversity and taxonomy
microorganism structures and functions
cell biology and chemistry related to the differential growth, isolation and identification of microorganisms
sources of infection, including food, environment, social and physical contact, animals and medical equipment/facilities and sources of contamination
basic principles of innate and acquired immunity as they relate the respiratory, urinary, digestive and lymphatic/immune system
microorganisms of importance to job role and their key characteristics used for identification
transport and storage requirements for microbiological samples to ensure sample integrity prior and post testing
the importance of maintaining reference cultures and the use of controls in microbiological testing
technological advances in microbiology including automation for identification, enumeration, susceptibility testing and total laboratory automation
procedures and reporting requirements for microbiological spills
purpose of biochemical test, media types and susceptibility testing implemented (why they are used and what they demonstrate)
application of molecular and serological testing in microbiology, including the role of antigens and antibodies in disease diagnosis
current and emerging methods of analysis for microbiology specimens
importance of genetics in microbiology
general criteria used for the identification of: parasites; fungi and yeasts; viruses
rationale for sample dilution and appropriate dilution selection when preparing materials for enumerating organisms and other pure culture work
need for accurate identification of sample source (such as body site, specimen type, process line or field location)
environmental sustainability issues as they relate to the work task
legal, ethical and work health and safety (WHS) requirements specific to the work task including traceability, confidentiality and security requirements of all clinical information, and laboratory data and records.

Foundation skills

Problem solving: Problem solving skills to identify artefacts or image aberrations attributable to misalignment or obstruction of light paths or condensers used in microscopy, or with other steps in microscopic examinations.

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 MSL975062

What does an assessment tool for MSL975062 need to cover?

To satisfy the Principles of Assessment and Rules of Evidence, an assessment for MSL975062 needs to address all 52 unit components: 7 elements with 25 performance criteria, 4 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 MSL975062?

Auditori pulls the current release of MSL975062 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?

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Can I check my existing MSL975062 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 MSL975062, showing exactly what's covered and what's missing. Mapping costs a quarter of a credit.

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