Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
24/07/2026 12:27 AM AWST
24/07/2026 12:27 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Procure and store tissues
Procure and store tissues
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTMT514C
HLTMT514C
State Code
WD205
WD205
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
06/08/2014
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
06/08/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for a mortuary theatre technician to prepare for and assist with the procurement and storage of tissuesIt includes the removal, handling and storage of tissues for diagnostic and tissue bank purposes
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Ensure suitability of donor
- 1.1 Check consent for tissue removal
- 1.2 Confirm details of tissue removal
- 1.3 Use personal protective equipment correctly
- 1.4 Ensure aseptic techniques are followed
- 1.5 Undertake external examination of body in order to confirm identify and suitability of donor
- 1.6 Undertake tests to ensure suitability of donor
- 1.7 Assess medical and social history to ensure suitability of donor
2. Prepare for retrieval
- 2.1 Notify retrieval team
- 2.2 Liaise with medical officer as appropriate
- 2.3 Obtain and prepare relevant equipment and consumable items
3 Retrieve tissue
- 3.1 Eviscerate body following medical officer's instructions and in line with consent and legislative requirements
- 3.2 Follow aseptic techniques
- 3.3 Obtain specialist tissues for testing eg brain for CJD
- 3.4 Reconstruct, clean and restore body to acceptable condition for viewing
- 3.5 Prepare body for storage and return for refrigeration storage
4 Package and store tissue
- 4.1 Collect samples for micro contamination testing of tissues
- 4.2 Pack tissue on collection
- 4.3 Store tissue as per the relevant standards
5. Clean autopsy room
- 5.1 Clean equipment and store safely
- 5.2 Sterilise equipment as required
- 5.3 Clean work area according to infection control policy and procedures
- 5.4 Dispose of waste safely and in accordance with organisation policy and procedures
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.
Consent for tissue removal includes:
Senior available next of kin approval
Specification of tissue to be collected, such as:
bone
eye
skin
Sign off by designated officer
Suitability check may include
Viral checking
External examination of body
Infection diseases
Personal protective equipment includes
Face protection
Eye protection
Gown
Apron
Surgical suits
Gloves
Protective footwear
Respirators
Relevant Standards include
Relevant State and Territory Legislation concerning tissue removal and storage
Tissues may include:
Bone
Eyes
Skin
Heart valves
Pancreas
External examination must include:
Donor identification
Identifying features, including:
scars
tattoos
Anal passage
Examination for evidence of illicit drugs
Testsmustinclude:
HIV1/2
HCV
HBV
HTLV1
Syphilis
Micro contamination testing
Andmayinclude:
CJD
CMV
EBV
Others as per specific tissue type
Retrieval team includes
Medical practitioner
Administration support
Prosectors
Relevant equipment and consumable items
Specimen containers
Autopsy table
Trolleys
Surgical instruments
Scales
Specimen containers
Necropsy saw
Knives
Packing materials
Needles
Suture materials
Body bags
Electric scrubbers
Specialist tissues include
Brain for CJD testing
Reconstruction and restoration of bodies may include:
Reconstruction
Cleaning cavities
Packing of absorbent material
Blocking orifices
Replacement of organs
Suturing incisions
Insertion of prostheses
Washing and drying body
Bagging of body to appropriate standard and labelling
Infection Control policy and procedures may include:
Personal hygiene
Cleaning procedures
Cleaning of surfaces and equipment
Use of cleaning chemicals
Use of personal protective equipment
Standard and additional precautions
Disposal of clinical and other wastes
Waste may include:
Clinical wastes
General waste
Toxic waste
Consent for tissue removal includes:
Senior available next of kin approval
Specification of tissue to be collected, such as:
bone
eye
skin
Sign off by designated officer
Suitability check may include
Viral checking
External examination of body
Infection diseases
Personal protective equipment includes
Face protection
Eye protection
Gown
Apron
Surgical suits
Gloves
Protective footwear
Respirators
Relevant Standards include
Relevant State and Territory Legislation concerning tissue removal and storage
Tissues may include:
Bone
Eyes
Skin
Heart valves
Pancreas
External examination must include:
Donor identification
Identifying features, including:
scars
tattoos
Anal passage
Examination for evidence of illicit drugs
Testsmustinclude:
HIV1/2
HCV
HBV
HTLV1
Syphilis
Micro contamination testing
Andmayinclude:
CJD
CMV
EBV
Others as per specific tissue type
Retrieval team includes
Medical practitioner
Administration support
Prosectors
Relevant equipment and consumable items
Specimen containers
Autopsy table
Trolleys
Surgical instruments
Scales
Specimen containers
Necropsy saw
Knives
Packing materials
Needles
Suture materials
Body bags
Electric scrubbers
Specialist tissues include
Brain for CJD testing
Reconstruction and restoration of bodies may include:
Reconstruction
Cleaning cavities
Packing of absorbent material
Blocking orifices
Replacement of organs
Suturing incisions
Insertion of prostheses
Washing and drying body
Bagging of body to appropriate standard and labelling
Infection Control policy and procedures may include:
Personal hygiene
Cleaning procedures
Cleaning of surfaces and equipment
Use of cleaning chemicals
Use of personal protective equipment
Standard and additional precautions
Disposal of clinical and other wastes
Waste may include:
Clinical wastes
General waste
Toxic waste
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
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:
Access to an autopsy room where assessment can take place
Autopsy equipment
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Relevant legislative requirements
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place (if possible)
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
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 should be assessed in conjunction with the following related unit:
HLTMT304D Assist with autopsy
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
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:
Access to an autopsy room where assessment can take place
Autopsy equipment
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Relevant legislative requirements
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place (if possible)
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
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 should be assessed in conjunction with the following related unit:
HLTMT304D Assist with autopsy
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8346 | HLTMT514B | Procure and store tissues | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J110 | HLT51912 | Diploma of Mortuary Theatre Practice | Qualification |
| D064 | HLT41607 | Certificate IV in Mortuary Theatre Practice | Qualification |