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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Process samples and associated request details
   • Sort specimens according to tests requested, urgent status and volume
   • Return samples and request forms that do not comply with requirements to their source with reasons for non-acceptance
   • Log acceptable samples and request forms, applying required document tracking mechanisms
   • Process samples as required by requested tests
   • Store samples and sample components appropriately until ready for testing
2. Perform tests
   • Select authorised tests that are indicated for the requested investigations
   • Conduct individual tests according to documented methodologies, applying required quality control procedures
   • Record all results, noting any phenomena that may be relevant to the interpretation of results
   • Seek advice of section head or other responsible colleague when result interpretation is outside parameters of authorised approval
   • Store unused sample or sample components, for possible future reference, under conditions suitable to maintain viability
3. Maintain a safe environment
   • Use established safe work practices and personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure personal safety and that of other laboratory personnel
   • Clean up spills using appropriate techniques to protect personnel, work area and environment from contamination
   • Minimise the generation of wastes
   • Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory wastes in accordance with workplace procedures
4. Maintain laboratory records
   • Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing required data as required
   • Update instrument maintenance logs as required by accreditation checklists
   • Maintain security and confidentiality of all clinical information, laboratory data and records

Range Statement

This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included.
Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements	Standards, codes, procedures and/or workplace requirements include the latest version of one or more of: Australian and international standards, guidelines and codes covering competence of testing and calibration laboratories, laboratory safety, biological safety cabinets, occupational protective equipment, labelling of workplace substances, storage and handling of dangerous goods, physical containment levels and facility types, safety cabinets, work health and safety (WHS) requirements, quality management and environmental management specific regulations, codes, guidelines and business rules, such as Human Tissue Acts and regulations, Australasian Society of Blood Transfusion Guidelines for Pre-transfusion Testing, and Australian Red Cross Blood Service workplace documents, such as SOPs; quality procedures; equipment manuals; calibration and maintenance schedules; material safety data sheets (MSDS) and safety procedures; laboratory schedules; workplace recording and reporting procedures; waste minimisation, containment, processing and safe disposal procedures; and cleaning, hygiene and personal hygiene requirements instructions to comply with new legislation, standards, guidelines and codes sampling procedures (labelling, preparation, storage, transport and disposal) and test procedures (validated and authorised) schematics, work flows, and laboratory stock records and inventory
Communication	Communication involves interactions with one or more of: supervisors and managers (laboratory, quality and customer service) other laboratory or clinical personnel patients and clients personnel of accreditation agencies (e.g. national Association of Testing Authorities (NATA))
Safe work practices	Safe work practices include, but are not limited to, one or more of: ensuring access to service shut-off points recognising and observing hazard warnings and safety signs labelling of samples, reagents, aliquoted samples and hazardous materials handling and storage of hazardous materials and equipment in accordance with labelling, MSDS and manufacturer instructions identifying and reporting operating problems or equipment malfunctions cleaning and decontaminating equipment and work areas regularly using workplace procedures using PPE, such as gloves, safety glasses, coveralls and gowns using containment facilities (e.g. PCII, PCIII and PCIV physical containment laboratories), containment equipment (e.g. biohazard containers, laminar flow cabinets, Class I, II and III biohazard cabinets) and containment procedures
WHS and environmental management requirements	WHS and environmental management requirements include: · complying with WHS and environmental management requirements at all times, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation. These requirements must not be compromised at any time · applying standard precautions relating to the potentially hazardous nature of samples accessing and applying current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health, where relevant

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Performance Evidence

Evidence of competence in this unit must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include demonstration of:

safely performing at least five (5) haematological tests or procedures to determine levels, function, activity and interactions of cellular and plasma components of blood

accurately counting and measuring blood cells

deriving cell data to assist with classification of cell populations

staining cells, identifying their morphology and classifying them

determining the amount and function of blood components, such as haemoglobin

measuring clinically phenomena, such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate or detecting markers of immune response

assessing haemostasis by performing coagulation, fibrinolysis and thrombosis tests

preparing documentation that is accurate, concise and in accordance with workplace requirements

managing and organising work to ensure the timely completion of tasks

critically analysing information and documents and recognising problems in systems and documentation

using workplace information systems efficiently

using samples, reagents and materials economically and disposing of wastes safely

maintaining security and confidentiality of all clinical information, laboratory data and records

maintaining equipment and recording and reporting malfunctions in accordance with workplace requirements.

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Knowledge Evidence

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge of:

scientific, medical, clinical, technical and workplace terminology relevant to normal and abnormal haematology, including anatomy, physiology, genetics, biochemistry and immunology

the investigation of blood cell disorders, including anaemia, leucocytosis, leucocytopaenias, leukaemia and thrombocytopenia

heritable and acquired coagulopathies and therapeutic drug-related alterations in haemostatic and coagulation mechanisms

haematological responses to infection, immunisation and malignancy

necessity for a patient or client focus when performing laboratory procedures and tests, including issues of confidentiality and security of clinical and laboratory information and data

relationships that exist between the sample and the test result, including:

sample collection

the preservation and timely testing of samples

sample storage requirements and issues of artefact

sub-sampling routines, including the nature of unstable particulate suspensions

validated tests

quality control

quality assurance

use and maintenance of laboratory equipment and resources that contribute to accurate, precise, timely and economical generation of data for use by clinicians

relevant hazards, work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

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