Analysing samples using light microscopy in life sciences and related industries
Overview
This standard covers the skills you need to carry out laboratory sample analysis
using a light microscope. This will involve preparing biological materials for viewing.
It will involve setting up and operating the microscope, viewing and recording
samples. You must work to the relevant standard operating procedures, legislation
and organisational policy.
You must carry out all the necessary preparations which will include preparing the
work area so that it is a safe condition to carry out the procedure and ensuring that
materials equipment and other resources that you need, are available and in a safe
and useable condition. After the procedure you must dispose of any waste
appropriately, leave your work area in an acceptable condition and complete all the
necessary paperwork and documentation.
Your underpinning knowledge will provide a good understanding of your work to
allow you to carry out the activities to the required specification.
1.
Who this standard is for
The standard is recommended for more experienced laboratory staff.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 ensure that your work is carried out in accordance with workplace procedures
P2 prepare the biological/compound material according to defined procedures
P3 load samples for analysis onto the microscope carefully, using low power,
ensuring that the field of view is focused carefully without damage to the
sample or objective lenses
P4 use standard size markers and selective stains or probes to measure, quantify
and identify samples
P5 store preparative samples in the correct location for storage, further
preparation or analysis
P6 prepare, maintain and use equipment and materials in accordance with
manufacturers' instructions and local safety regulations
P7 communicate the required information about the work done, to authorised
people, in accordance with departmental and organisational procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 the health and safety requirements of the area in which you are carrying out
the activities
K2 the scientific or similar techniques and processes you must use
correctly in the workplace
K3 the limits of your own authority and to whom you should report if you have
problems that you cannot resolve
K4 the importance of using the correct identification and any unique organisational
or laboratory numbers for specimens/samples
K5 the types of handling, sorting, recording and tracking system used and the
procedures used for transferring specimens/samples within the laboratory while
undergoing processing
K6 the minimum size/volume of laboratory sample required for microscope slide
preparation laboratory investigation
K7 the common errors that may occur in sample preparation and how to avoid
them
K8 the range of samples analysed, the containers used for storage and analysis
and other essential resources
K9 the importance of a clean and tidy work area and avoidance of crosscontamination of samples
K10 the cleaning and maintenance of microscopes after use and the harmful effects
of using incorrect cleaning materials
K11 the main features and various types and functions of the light microscope, how
to calculate and record magnification and the difference between magnification
and resolution
K12 the underlying action and expected outcome of the reagents, stains and dyes
involved in sample preparation
K13 the procedures to be followed when dealing with broken or leaking samples
and disposing of harmful chemical and contaminated equipment