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Follow the links below to find material targeted to the unit's elements, performance criteria, required skills and knowledge

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Elements define the essential outcomes
2. Follow standard procedures for handling specimens
   • Apply standard precautions and codes of practice when handling medical specimens
   • Select and use equipment and instruments suited to the specimen being handled
   • Transfer specimen into appropriate container and seal properly, ensuring correct method of preservation has been used
   • Label containers accurately and store specimens in specified conditions
   • Follow established procedures in case of adverse incident
3. Organise off-site testing of specimens
   • Prepare specimens for transport according to specifications for packaging and transport
   • Check that specimen is accompanied by required accurately completed documentation
   • Arrange pick-up of specimen, if required, ensuring specimens are in correct location for pick-up
4. Conduct on-site testing of specimens
   • Use and maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions
   • Conduct tests following practice protocols, standard precautions and industry standards
   • Accurately document results and report to appropriate personnel
   • Read and recognise significantly abnormal results and report appropriately and in a timely fashion

Performance Evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:

followed established technical, infection control and safety procedures when handling at least 4 different specimen types

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Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:

legal and ethical considerations for specimen handling (national, state/territory, local):

codes of practice

records management and labelling

privacy, confidentiality and disclosure

work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations

work health and safety

standard infection control requirements:

hand hygiene

use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

avoiding contact with bodily fluids

needle stick injury considerations

waste disposal

different types of medical specimens and associated handling procedures, including those for:

urine

blood

oral fluids

skin scrapings

storage conditions for different types of specimen

transport requirements for different types of specimen

types of on-site tests and how they are conducted, including:

uriscreen

pregnancy tests

blood glucose level measurement

how to deal appropriately with adverse incidents

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