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Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Process samples and associated request forms
   • Check and match samples and request forms before they are accepted
   • 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 requested tests
   • Store sample components appropriately until required 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 samples, for possible future reference, under conditions suitable to maintain viability
3. Maintain a safe environment
   • Use established 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 waste in accordance with workplace procedures
4. Maintain laboratory records
   • Make entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately recording or transcribing required data as required
   • Maintain instrument logs as required by accreditation checklists
   • Maintain records of blood and blood products received, used and returned to supplier
   • Maintain security and confidentiality of all clinical information, laboratory data and records
5. Issue blood and blood products
   • Complete documentation required to permit the issuing of blood or blood components that have been cleared for use by clinical staff
   • Advise courier of transport requirements to ensure blood or blood products are delivered in a timely and safe manner

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), and quality 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 standard operating procedures (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, customer service) other laboratory personnel or relevant medical or nursing personnel couriers, patients and clients external auditors, or accreditation agency such as the 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) immunohaematological tests following the laboratory's validated and authorised procedures

performing tests accurately and organising work to ensure the timely release of blood and blood products and needs of relevant patients and clients are met

selecting and performing testing procedures in terms of the suspected or known nature of the antibody and its possible range of testing behaviours

detecting and recording accurate evidence of blood group antigen and antibody reactions

selecting, testing and issuing blood cleared for transfusion

selecting and applying confirmatory tests

selecting and issuing blood products for therapeutic or prophylactic use

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

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 anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, immunology and immunohaematology

antigen antibody reactions

testing procedures for the determination of blood groups and the detection of antibodies

types of blood products and their use

validated and authorised procedures, as described in the laboratory's manual of procedures

work health and safety (WHS) and environment requirements.

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