Assessor Resource

HLTPAT317A
Operate effectively within a pathology testing environment

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


The application of knowledge and skills described in this competency unit relates to functions necessary for working within a Pathology laboratory

Work at this level may be undertaken independently or under guidance and/or supervision

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required by workers in a pathology laboratory who perform work that reflects an understanding of the structure and profile of the industry, the roles and relationships within and across the industry and key issues facing the industry

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)

Employability Skills

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills

The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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 assessee 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:

Equipment

Laboratory policy and procedure manual

Occupational health and safety requirements

Infection control manual

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.

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

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

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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

Essential knowledge:

Laboratory policy and procedure manual

OHS requirements

Infection control requirements

Medical terminology

Biohazard nature of specimens handled in the laboratory

Essential skills:

Ability to:

Comply with relevant policies, protocols, guidelines and procedures of the organisation

Effectively communicate with internal and external clients

Follow instructions

Use basic computer skills

Handle hazardous chemicals

Use time management strategies to set priorities

Demonstrate understanding of work lists and their role in preparation of samples for testing

Comply with organisation policies and procedures including those of OHS and infection control, and current standards

Use reading and writing skills-literacy competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. The level of skill required involves reading and documenting clinical information and understanding complex policy and procedure manuals.

Use oral communication skills-language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. Assessors should look for skills in asking questions, providing clear information, listening to and understanding workplace instructions, and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary. Effective verbal and non verbal communication skills with a range of internal and external persons are essential. Organisation may require competence in English or a community language, depending on client group

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, recording stock levels and statistical information

Use problem solving skills required including an ability to use available resources

Deal with conflict

Work with others within a team

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.

Modes of practice may include:

Specimen reception

Specimen set up

Sample identification and processing as per organisation requirements

Loading analysers

Current legislation may include

Relevant Commonwealth, State or Territory Acts and Regulations specific to Pathology

Other relevant Acts and regulations including:

OH&S

Privacy

Discrimination

NATA and ISO accreditation

Workers within a pathology laboratory may include but is not limited to:

Pathologist

Scientist

Laboratory technician

Pathology assistant

Phlebotomist

Ancillary staff

Roles and responsibilities of pathology assistants may include

Specimen reception

Data entry

Specimen separation and storage

Sample Identification and confirmation

Labelling of aliquots

Preparing samples for processing

Loading analysers

Making stains

Staining slides

Cleaning instrumentation

Temperature monitoring

Specimens may include:

Blood

Cultures

Urine

Faeces

Swabs

Tissue samples

Sputum

Body fluids

CSF pleural aspirates

Slides

Environmental samples (including water, food etc)

Different sections within a pathology laboratory include:

Haematology

Transfusion (Blood Bank)

Serology / immunology

Chemical pathology

Microbiology

Anatomical pathology / cytology

Cytogenetics

Molecular genetics

Specimens preparation includes:

Centrifugation

Aliquoting

Recommended safety precautions may include:

Wearing gown, gloves, recommended eye protection and mask (if indicated by protocol)

Wearing enclosed foot wear

Urgent samples may include

Samples received from emergency, ICU, CCU, SCN, oncology or as indicated by requesting Doctor or collection area.

Samples for tissue typing for organ transplantation

CSF

Blood gases,

Ammonia levels

Drug levels following an overdose

Lactates

Non-replaceable samples may include:

Histology samples and slides

Samples collected by invasive techniques (including CSF, aspirates)

Swabs

Specimens from a child under 2 years of age

Organisation policies and procedures may refer to::

Collection and documentation of client personal and clinical information

Confidentiality of client information

Preparation for specimen collection procedures

Performance of specimen collection procedures

Infection control

Occupational health and safety

Specimen preparation, labelling, storage and transport

Maintenance of specimen integrity

Documentation and recording keeping

Handling of waste

Cleaning and maintenance of equipment (centrifuges etc)

Monitoring temperatures of storage areas

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Describe the organisation of the pathology industry 
Explain the relationships between the different occupations and modes of practice within pathology. 
Observe and describe the operation of a typical laboratory. 
Identify current legislation that impacts on pathology laboratories 
Identify the roles and responsibilities of different workers within a pathology laboratory 
Identify the role and responsibilities of pathology assistants including when and from whom to seek advice 
Develop an understanding of the different sections within a pathology laboratory 
Adopt recommended safety precautions when handling biologically hazardous specimens 
Follow organisation guidelines in the handling of urgent samples 
Follow organisation guidelines in the handling of non-replaceable samples 
Ensure sample labelling complies with organisation policies 
Store and transport pathology samples in line with organisation policies and procedures and legal and regulatory guidelines 
Perform specimens preparation or separation and storage according to test requirements 
Use accepted protocols to document information in line with organisation requirements 
Use appropriate terminology to document identified problems related to application specimen testing 
Ensure that confidentiality of client information is maintained. 
Access and follow organisation guidelines, policies and procedures 
Follow organisation administrative practices and procedures 
Access and follow legal and regulatory guidelines 
Document relevant information in accordance with organisation policies and procedures. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTPAT317A - Operate effectively within a pathology testing environment
Assessment task 1: [title]

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I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

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Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Assessment Record Sheet

HLTPAT317A - Operate effectively within a pathology testing environment

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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