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

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

Essential knowledge:

Knowledge of specimen additives (anticoagulants etc)

Knowledge of specimen acceptance and rejection criteria

Knowledge of laboratory precautions for handling biological materials

Knowledge of tests performed in a pathology laboratory

Knowledge of procedures involved in referral to another laboratory

Knowledge of the roles of professionals within the pathology industry

Knowledge of the relationships between the various occupations within the pathology industry

Knowledge of the different modes of practice including small and large laboratories

Knowledge of terminology used within a pathology laboratory

Knowledge of infection control with in a pathology laboratory

OHS requirements

Biohazard nature of specimens handled in the laboratory

Essential skills:

Ability to:

Use universal precautions when handling samples

Identify the range of pathology tests and their importance for client welfare

Identify, prioritise and prepare samples according to sample type and/or clinical data

Prepare specimens for analysis

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 of hazardous chemicals

Use time management strategies to set priorities

Perform basic tests within the scope of the laboratory (This may include point-of care or bed side testing of samples)

Recognise the need for performing and recording quality controls within the scope of the performed tests

Practise effective communication

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 may range from the ability to understand symbols used in OHS signs, to reading workplace safety pamphlets or procedure manuals, to reading labels and handling chemicals. Literacy support available in the workplace may range from having access to support or assistance from expert/mentor/supervisor, to having no communication supports available. Literacy may be required in English or a community language.

Use oral communication skills and 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. Organisations may require competence in English or community language, depending on client group.

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division to recording numbers

Use problem solving skills required including ability to use available resources

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.

Equipment, solutions, agar plates and samples may include:

Analyser cartridges. Cassettes or strips

Analysers

Centrifuges

Pipettes

Pre-packaged test kits for direct antigen tests (eg RSV screens of NPA, HCG, IM or D-Dimer tests

Laboratory glassware

Stains

Solvents

Alcohol

Specimens

Personal protective equipment may include but is not limited to:

Laboratory Gowns, Gloves, Eye protection

Enclosed foot wear

Masks if indicated by test protocol

Organisation policies and procedures includes"

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

NATA and ISO accreditation

Specimen additives may include:

Acids

Sodium Hydroxide

Anticoagulants

Preservatives including formalin

Transport media

Recommended safety precautions include:

Washing hands

Cleaning spills

Cleaning and disinfection (using approved methods) of soiled areas

Changing and discarding soiled gloves

Using the correct methods to decant fluids from samples and equipment

The consuming of food or beverages within a laboratory is prohibited as is smoking

Correct techniques to separate samples include:

Centrifugation

Aspiration

Pipetting

Recommended techniques include:

Pipetting

Aliquoting

Weighing of chemicals and samples

Calculation of amount (volume or weight) of required additives

Measuring pH (with litmus paper or meter)

Reading test strip result

Record test and QC results

Basic tests include

Specimen reception

Direct antigen tests (HCG, RSVDGA, IM, D-Dimer)

ESR

pH urines

Plating specimens in Microbiology

Staining of slides

Document test and control results includes:

Record QC with results as per protocol

Action to be taken if QC is unacceptable (and record any action taken)