Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

HLTPAT301C Mapping and Delivery Guide
Receive and prepare pathology specimens

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency HLTPAT301C - Receive and prepare pathology specimens
Description This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to receive and prepare a range of samples for pathology testing
Employability Skills This unit contains Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application Work performed requires a range of well-developed skills where some discretion and judgment is required. Individuals will take responsibility for their own outputs and limited responsibility for the output of others
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not Applicable
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Receive specimens
  • Receive and process specimens as required by organisation policies and procedures
  • Check documentation for accuracy and legality to ensure that mandatory labelling requirements are complete
  • Reject specimens in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
  • Affix bar-code labels to request forms and specimens
  • Confirm requirements for specimen processing in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
  • Follow infection control and workplace safety protocols relating to the safe handling of specimens
  • Maintain records of non-conformities in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
  • Follow the organisation's procedures for information recording
       
Element: Process specimens for scientific testing
  • Process specimens for diagnostic testing in accordance with scientist/pathologist instructions workplace health and safety guidelines
  • Operate and maintain equipment in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
  • Follow Infection control guidelines during processing of specimens
  • Enter data on specimens into database in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
       
Element: Dispatch specimens
  • Check specimens to ensure they are appropriately secured for dispatch
  • Dispatch specimens to relevant department in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
       
Element: Collect, sort and deliver reports
  • Deliver confidential reports are delivered within acceptable timeframes
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

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

Area/division/guidelines

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 assignments/projects 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

Computer-aided 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 and/or 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

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

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:

Bio-hazardous 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 expert/mentor/supervisor, to having no communication supports available

Use time management strategies to set priorities

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Specimens may include:

Blood

Urine

Faeces

Swabs

Tissue samples

Body fluids

Smears

Sputum

Processing of specimens will include:

Receipt

Checking

Verifying

Recording date and time of arrival

Equipment may include:

Computers

Printers

Centrifuge

Biohazard cabinet

Scanner

Laboratory equipment relevant to receipt and preparation of specimens

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

Request forms

Specimens

Labels

Bar-coding

Database

Organisation policies and procedures may relate to:

Safe use of equipment

Use of personal protective equipment including gloves, gowns, masks, goggles

Taking appropriate action when spills, biohazard exposure or needlestick injuries occur

Infection control

Waste management

Safety and security of specimens for transport

Use of chemicals according to manufacturer/organisation directions and material data safety sheets

Guidelines for protection against needlestick injuries

International aviation transport authority (IATA) guidelines

Following appropriate laboratory manuals for safety, procedural, quality, registration

Notification of infectious tests

Maintaining equipment includes maintenance of centrifuge and all other in-house equipment

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Receive and process specimens as required by organisation policies and procedures 
Check documentation for accuracy and legality to ensure that mandatory labelling requirements are complete 
Reject specimens in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 
Affix bar-code labels to request forms and specimens 
Confirm requirements for specimen processing in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 
Follow infection control and workplace safety protocols relating to the safe handling of specimens 
Maintain records of non-conformities in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 
Follow the organisation's procedures for information recording 
Process specimens for diagnostic testing in accordance with scientist/pathologist instructions workplace health and safety guidelines 
Operate and maintain equipment in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 
Follow Infection control guidelines during processing of specimens 
Enter data on specimens into database in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 
Check specimens to ensure they are appropriately secured for dispatch 
Dispatch specimens to relevant department in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 
Deliver confidential reports are delivered within acceptable timeframes 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTPAT301C - Receive and prepare pathology specimens
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

HLTPAT301C - Receive and prepare pathology specimens

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: