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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Process samples and associated request forms
   • Ensure sample labels and request forms are correctly completed in accordance with workplace requirements
   • Return samples and request forms that do not comply with requirements to their source with reasons for non-acceptance
   • Log acceptable samples, applying required document tracking mechanisms
   • Process samples as required by test procedure and request status
   • Store sample components under optimal conditions until required for testing
2. Perform tests
   • Select authorised tests indicated for the requested investigations
   • Conduct individual tests, or batches of tests, according to documented methodologies, applying required quality control procedures
   • Manage tasks and organise work to ensure efficient use of time
   • Flag test results that are outside accepted quality control limits
   • Apply cognitive and technical processes to discriminate between significant data and artefact
   • Confirm with supervisor any further testing requirements
   • Record all test data, noting any phenomena that may be relevant to the treatment of data or the interpretation of results
   • Store unused sample for possible future reference
3. Maintain a safe work area and 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
   • Identify instrument malfunction that may impact on safe operation
   • Ensure the safe disposal of biohazardous materials and other laboratory waste 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
   • Maintain instrument 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), quality and environmental management specific industry sector regulations, codes, guidelines and business rules 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 external auditors and 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) tests or procedures associated with the detection and monitoring of tissue and bodily fluid responses to normal physiological processes and disease through the identification and quantifying of chemical components

identifying and measuring chemical substances that are associated with organ dysfunction or indicators of success or failure of treatment

detecting and measuring drugs and toxins

testing for biological activity, such as assessment of enzyme activity indicative of organ/tissue damage

testing for evidence of prior exposure to infective agents such as identifying plasma changes that are consequent to, or associated with, immune responses

applying DNA techniques

discriminating between significant data and artefact, and responding appropriately to an abnormal result

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

using the workplace information system 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 anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and immunology to enable efficient communication with laboratory and clinical staff

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

workplace procedures for selection and use of testing procedures, in terms of the supposed or defined clinical problem

details of test methods relevant to job role

range of test results that have meaningful clinical significance

selection and use of quality control and quality assurance processes for the issuance of meaningful results

sources of error in pre- and post-analyses of samples and corrective actions

management of work flow for effective and efficient use of resources

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

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