NSCI5523 – Practical Skills for Pre-Analytical Technicians

Module code

NSCI5523

Module title

Practical Skills for Pre-Analytical Technicians

Prescription

The aim of this course is to develop and apply knowledge and skills for Pre-Analytical Technicians to safely carry out a range of generic laboratory or workplace tasks appropriately and accurately.

NZQA Level

Level 5

NZQA Credits

Delivery method

Web-Enhanced

Learning hours

Total learning hours: 150

Resources required

Content: - Use and accuracy of laboratory equipment
- Laboratory procedures and recording data
- Tikanga related to specimen sampling, handling, transport and disposal or return to patient
- Packaging and transport of specimens from patient to laboratory, and between laboratories
- Selection, preparation, labelling, and storage of specimens
- Use and routine maintenance of equipment such as centrifuges, barcode scanners, lab information systems, data loggers, autopipettes, balance, thermometer
- Laboratory skills such as aliquoting, aseptic technique, basic microscopy, filtration
- Use and calibration of laboratory equipment such as autopipettes, balances, thermometers, pH-meters, spectrophotometers
- Preparation of standard solutions and dilutions
- Practical knowledge of undertaking calculations in the laboratory
- Use of controls and standards
- Experimental errors
- Calibration curves and presentation of data graphically
- Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
Learning Outcomes: LO1 Perform correct protocols and procedures for specimen sampling, handling and transport.
LO2 Perform safe use and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment.
LO3 Complete basic laboratory calculations accurately.
LO4 Outline how information systems are used in the workplace.
Learning and Teaching Resource: All required and recommended resources are advised to aakonga via course outlines.
Teaching and Learning Strategy: Learning and teaching activities will employ a range of elements drawn from approved methods to align with the context of the learning (delivery mode, regional specific requirement, etc.) and any particular needs of the group of aakonga.
Assessment Criteria: Assessment in this course employs an achievement-based grading scheme. Learners will be advised of all matters relating to summative assessment prior to the start of the course. Aakonga must submit all specified assessment items and obtain at least 50% overall score in order to pass this course.