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

Biohazardous substances

Criteria for rejection of specimens

Departmental sub specialties

External customer locations

Hospital environment

Identify blood tubes

Infection control manual

Laboratory information processing procedures

Laboratory policy and procedure manuals

Medical terminology and chemical abbreviations relevant to pathology

National laboratory standards

OHS manual

Pathology test requests

Pneumatic tube system

Relevant State and national legislation

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

Comply with relevant policies protocols guidelines and procedures of the organisation

Demonstrate computer skills required to maintain database

Demonstrate handling of hazardous chemicals

Effectively communicate with internal and external customers

Follow correct documentation procedures for receipt and preparation of specimens

Maintain specimen integrity

Receive and process correctly a range of samples for pathology testing

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

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

Use oral communication skills and language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation including skills in

asking questions

providing clear information

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

literacy in English or a community language depending on client group organisations requirements

Use problem solving skills including ability to use available resources

Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill that 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

Use literacy support available in the workplace that may range from having access to support or assistance from expertmentorsupervisor to having no communication supports available

Use time management strategies to set priorities

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

Specimens

Legislative guidelines

Areadivisionguidelines

Request forms

Labels

Database

Equipment

Laboratory policy and procedure manuals

Infection control manual

OHS manual

Access to IATA course and accreditation

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place if possible

Written assignmentsprojects 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

Oral questioning

Computeraided assessment

Assesses portfolio CV and documented evidence of work history

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 andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Related units

This unit can be delivered and assessed independently however holistic assessment practice with other pathology units of competency is encouraged

Specimens may include:

Processing of specimens will include:

Equipment may include:

Documentation refers to the following, which must comply with legal requirements:

Organisation policies and procedures may relate to: