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 skillsliteracy 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 skillslanguage 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 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 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

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

Modes of practice may include:

Current legislation may include

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

Roles and responsibilities of pathology assistants may include

Specimens may include:

Different sections within a pathology laboratory include:

Specimens preparation includes:

Recommended safety precautions may include:

Urgent samples may include

Non-replaceable samples may include:

Organisation policies and procedures may refer to::