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:

A real or simulated workplace environment to mimic the relations and communications between client reception, blood collection, specimen reception and the laboratory

use of an artificial/training arm or mannequin as required

All necessary blood collection equipment and tubes

An approved laboratory procedure manual

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

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

Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment may be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Verbal and/or diagrammatic explanations

Practical exercises and tasks

Question and answer (verbal)

Short written exercises, including multiple choice

Client feedback

Recollection rates

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:

HLTPAT308C Identify and respond to clinical risks associated with pathology specimen collection

Holistic assessment practice with other pathology units of competency is encouraged

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge:

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of:

Basic knowledge of human anatomy and physiology in relation to the vascular, arterial and nervous system and relevant to the variety of blood collection procedures and collection sites

Boundaries of responsibilities and ability to refer problems to supervisor

Clinical risks of blood collection procedures

Correct techniques for blood collection through venepuncture or skin puncture

Ethics relevant to blood collection

Factors which may affect the chemical analysis of blood

Function of needles and syringes, tourniquets, cleansing solutions and swabs and evacuated systems

Medical terminology relevant to blood collection

Obligations with respect to confidentiality of client information

Specimen storage procedures

Test requested and any special requirements, e.g. appropriate times to collect, impact of drugs, timing of last dose, required fasting times, protecting the integrity of the specimen

The use of collection tube additives, including EDTA, sodium citrate, lithium/sodium heparin, fluoride oxalate, separation gel

Essential skills:

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

Apply assessment skills for determination of appropriate blood collection site and procedure

Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology relevant to blood collection

Apply relevant OHS procedures

Apply standard and additional precautions

Apply transferring technique to avoid contamination

Comply with organisation policies and procedures including OHS and infection control

Correctly label blood collection tubes

Demonstrate procedures to be implemented to resolve complications resulting from venepuncture

Demonstrate the function of needles and syringes, tourniquets, cleansing solutions and swabs, evacuated systems, and other equipment and disposables

Demonstrate the procedure for client identification

Demonstrate the use of all blood collection equipment appropriate to a range of collection sites and procedures

Exhibit an appropriate level of care reflecting courtesy, responsiveness and helpfulness

Operate applicable laboratory information system

Select appropriate transit procedure and documentation, or selection of appropriate storage

Select equipment and prepare blood collection tubes for a specific, or a series of, pathology test(s), excluding arterial punctures, arterial/venous fistula, or shunt punctures or disconnections

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Undertake first aid management relevant to risks of blood collection

Work cooperatively in a team environment

Work without close supervision

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.

Blood collection is in accordance with organisation policies and procedures and relates to:

Venepuncture on adults, adolescents, paediatrics and born-at-term neonates

Capillary collection from adults, adolescents, paediatrics and born-at-term neonates, but not including premature neonates

Other blood collections as specified by organisation policy

Complex blood collection techniques (not covered by this unit) include blood collection:

From premature neonates

Via peripherally inserted central catheter

Arterial collections via lines or artery

Other blood collections as specified by organisation policy

Blood sample requests will come from:

Registered medical practitioner,

Nominated nursing staff eg nurse practitioner

Personal protective equipment includes:

Gloves

Gowns

Masks

Goggles and safety glasses

Venues for collection may include:

Centres/clinics

Home visits - invalid, elderly or disabled clients

Hospitals

Other facilities including aged care and mental health facilities

Blood collection procedures may include:

Skin puncture

Venepuncture

Equipment and disposables include:

Tourniquets

Collection tubes

Vacuum flasks

Range of syringes and needles

Multi-sample needle and holder

Winged infusion set ("butterfly")

Evacuated blood collection equipment

Lancets

Sharps containers

Steri-wipes

Dressings

Local anaesthetic skin cream

Correct storage requirements of specimens may include:

Use of ice or dry ice

Maintenance of warm temperature

Timely transfer to storage

Protection from light