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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Isolate DNA 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243256  Isolate DNA 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Forensic Science 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners credited with this unit standard are able to isolate DNA from biological samples. Learners will possess detailed knowledge of the isolation methods employed on different sample types. This unit standard will enable learners to determine which isolation methods to apply to different sample types for further DNA analysis within the field of biology.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Prepare reagents for isolation purposes.
  • Prepare samples for DNA isolation.
  • Assess equipment used in DNA isolation.
  • Perform DNA isolation on samples.
  • Handle samples and isolated DNA. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4.

    The unit standards:
  • Implement basic safety procedures in emergencies, ID 114863 or equivalent.
  • Monitor the quality system in a laboratory, ID 110464 or equivalent. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard must be conducted taking into account the quality assurance and quality control policies of the laboratory and all procedures prescribed by the quality management system of the organisation.

    Wherever reference is made to procedures in this unit standard, it includes where applicable, reference to techniques and/or methods.

    Reference to equipment in this unit standard must be understood to refer to equipment used in an organization as this may be organization specific.

    Wherever this unit standard refers to a given situation it should be understood (but is not limited to) to include a practical scenario or a mock scenario or a theoretical scenario or case study. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Prepare reagents for isolation purposes. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Preparation must be done according to the isolation and sample type. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Sample type is evaluated in order to determine the type of isolation procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Sample type refers to but is not limited to: blood, semen, hair roots, post coital, faeces, exhibit substrates, buccal swabs.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Consequences of not adhering to quality principles and procedures are analysed in terms of their influence on the integrity of the sample and the isolation procedure. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Quality also refers to traceability principles and storage conditions.The term integrity also refers to traceability and quality control.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Principles of isolation stringency are explained in terms of their influence on the isolation of DNA from samples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles of isolation stringency refers to, but is not limited to salt concentration and pH conditions of regents used during the isolation procedure.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A reagent is prepared in order to perform the determined isolation procedures in a given situation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare samples for DNA isolation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Principles underlying sample preparation are explained with reference to sample quality and quantity. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Sample quality refers to but is not limited to environmental factors, storage conditions, chain of custody, contamination, order in which samples related to the same scenario are processed, batch composition.
  • Sample quantity refers to but is not limited to size, type and amount of samples.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Samples are identified according to the unique sample identifier in order to track sample through the analysis process. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Sample identifier includes but is not limited to sample type and exhibit type.
  • Track refers to the traceability and audit trail.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of equipment and utensils are explained according to the sample and isolation procedure type. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment used will be determined by the organisation where the sample is prepared.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sample is prepared in a given situation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Preparation must be done within quality assurance parameters. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preparation includes but is not limited to the performing of the isolation procedure, the labeling of samples and prevention of contamination and sample switching.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Assess equipment used in DNA isolation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Assessing of equipment may include inspection and running of standards equipment tests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Equipment is identified for use in isolation procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of equipment is explained according to its operating principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Operating principles must include reference to the underlying scientific principles according to which the equipment operates.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Operational status of equipment is assessed in order to verify whether equipment is fit to be used. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Fit for use refers to using equipment according to given specifications.
  • Operational status must include but is not limited to calibration testing, frequency of testing of equipment, cleaning of equipment, preventing contamination and maintenance of certain parts or replacement thereof.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Troubleshooting processes pertaining to use of equipment are explained using examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Troubleshooting processes refers but are not limited to reference to the operating manual, listing of critical influencing factors, reasons why troubleshooting should be conducted, flow diagrams indicating check points.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Troubleshooting processes are demonstrated in a given situation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Perform DNA isolation on samples. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Principles of isolation are explained in terms of their application on given sample types. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • Principles must include the use of validated methods, international and national standards and published articles.
  • Sample types may refer to but are not limited to samples used in forensic biology, paternity testing, diagnostic testing.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Isolation is performed on samples in a given situtaion. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    A minimum of one DNA isolation must be performed.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Handle samples and isolated DNA. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Handle includes but is not limited to transfer, storage, disposal and destroying of samples, dispatching of samples and retrieving of samples.
  • Samples include DNA samples. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Location and conditions of storage samples are assessed in order to ensure their integrity. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Integrity refers to chain of evidence, safety regulations, quality assurance and quality control measures.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The quality of documentation is assessed in relation to their possible judicial uses. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Future uses may include but is not limited to chain of custody, sample information and quality assurance requirements in terms of the Quality Assurance Guideline for DNA Testing Laboratories of the South African National Accreditation System or other accepted quality assurance guidelines. Documentation includes isolation records.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    Assessor must be competent in the outcomes of this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Inorganic and organic isolation methods.
  • Equipment:

    > Centrifuge.
    > Micro pipettes.
    > Balances.
  • Good laboratory practices (GLP as defined by the international standard organization).
  • Calculations:

    > Ratio.
    > Concentration and Molarity.
    > Molecular weight.
  • Laboratory management systems.
  • National and international quality assurance guidelines. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team when performing isolation on DNA. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organizing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when planning the isolation of DNA. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analyzing, organizing and critically evaluate information obtained after isolating DNA. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with others within the process of DNA analysis, as well as external role-players in order to achieve the aims of documentation, report writing and expert witness testimony utilizing the modes of oral and written communication. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology when using appropriate standard operating procedures in the field of DNA isolation to achieve desired outcomes, in line with international accepted forensic practice. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Abbreviations and Glossary of terms:
  • DNA: Deoxyribonucleic acid 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  57977   National Certificate: Forensic Biology  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.