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

HLTPAT304D Mapping and Delivery Guide
Collect pathology specimens other than blood

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency HLTPAT304D - Collect pathology specimens other than blood
Description This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow procedures for collection of pathology specimens other than blood from clients and clients for pathology testing
Employability Skills This unit contains Employability Skills
Learning Outcomes and Application Work performed requires a broad knowledge base and the ability to apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problemsIndividuals will take responsibility for their own outputs and limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of output of othersAll tasks are conducted in accordance with organisation policies and procedures including WHS and infection control guidelines
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 request for collection of pathology specimen
  • Assess request to determine equipment required and other special requirements
  • Identify precise nature and requirements of the test request
  • Collect relevant clinical and personal information by interview of client and document correctly
  • Ensure pre-test criteria are met
  • Refer pathology requests to supervisor if required
  • Use of pathology collection manuals correctly
  • Select and prepare equipment and appropriate collection containers
       
Element: Perform procedure
  • Explain procedure to client and obtain consent in accordance with legal and organisation requirements
  • Follow infection control guidelines
  • Use personal protective equipment appropriately according to organisation policy
  • Use collection and clinical equipment appropriately to avoid contamination of sample
  • Follow organisation guidelines for safe handling of pathology specimens/non pathology specimens
  • Adopt standard and additional precautions and seek assistance as required
  • Follow appropriate procedures for collection of sample
  • Follow WHS guidelines relating to disposal of equipment
       
Element: Label and store specimens for transportation
  • Label specimens in accordance with ISO 9000 or the National Australian Testing Authority
  • Process and store specimens correctly
  • Contain specimens appropriately for transport
  • Report specimens ready for transportation
       
Element: Care for client
  • Position client correctly and make comfortable
  • Monitor client during and on completion of collection procedure to identify potential adverse outcomes
       


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 preferred 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

Method of assessment may include:

Observation in the work place

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 may be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision

Formal appraisal systems

Staff/client feedback

Portfolio/CV

Supporting statement of supervisor(s)

Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning

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:

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:

Abbreviations commonly used in a clinical laboratory

Basic anatomy and physiology relevant to type of pathology collections

Basic medical terminology used in a clinical laboratory

Boundaries of responsibilities

Client care

Correct storage methods for specimens and fixatives

General knowledge of pathology laboratories e.g. various departments and tests performed

Obligations with respect to confidentiality of client information and legal and ethical issues

Potential complications of collection procedures

Tests and appropriate times to collect eg drugs, last dose

Understanding of test requested and any special requirements - protecting the integrity of the specimen

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:

Apply basic first aid

Apply standard and additional precautions

Comply with policies and procedures including WHS, infection control etc

Demonstrate appropriate care when handling radioactive isotopes

Demonstrate correct techniques for collection of pathology specimens other than blood

Demonstrate knowledge of pre-test criteria

Exhibit an appropriate level of care reflecting courtesy, responsiveness and helpfulness

Handle sterile jar so as not to contaminate

Maintain client confidentiality

Respond productively to supervision

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Use basic computer skills

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 numeracy skills that may range from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, weighing and measuring requirements to recording data

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 and organisations requirements

Use problem solving skills required 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 WHS signs, to reading and interpreting requests for pathology specimens and completing appropriate documentation

Use time management strategies to set priorities

Work cooperatively in a team environment and unsupervised (some centres only have one staff)

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.

Pathology specimen requests are made by:

Registered medical practitioner or specialist or nominated nursing staff eg nurse practitioner

Clients may include

Adults

Children and infants

Pre-test requirements include:

Client identification

Client details

Collection of clinical information

Appropriate procedures for paediatric clients may require specialised skills and knowledge

Pathology specimens other than blood may include:

Saliva

Sputum

Urine including via catheter

Semen

Stool

Swabs

Skin scraping

Breath

Aspirates

Protective clothing includes:

Gloves

Gowns

Masks

Goggles

Venues for collection may include:

Centres/clinics

Collection centre

Home visits

Hospitals

Other facilities including aged care and mental health facilities

General workplaces

Equipment includes:

Vacuum flasks

Syringes

Needles

Lancets

Steri-wipes

Band-Aids

Paediatric urine bags

Swabs

Scalpels

Sterile jars

Breath balloons

Scraping cards for skin and nail scrapings

Correct storage of specimens may include:

Kept on ice or dry ice

Kept warm

Actioned immediately

Protected from light

Use of fixatives

Procedures may be undertaken in an assisting role eg assisting a pathologist with a fine needle aspiration

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
Assess request to determine equipment required and other special requirements 
Identify precise nature and requirements of the test request 
Collect relevant clinical and personal information by interview of client and document correctly 
Ensure pre-test criteria are met 
Refer pathology requests to supervisor if required 
Use of pathology collection manuals correctly 
Select and prepare equipment and appropriate collection containers 
Explain procedure to client and obtain consent in accordance with legal and organisation requirements 
Follow infection control guidelines 
Use personal protective equipment appropriately according to organisation policy 
Use collection and clinical equipment appropriately to avoid contamination of sample 
Follow organisation guidelines for safe handling of pathology specimens/non pathology specimens 
Adopt standard and additional precautions and seek assistance as required 
Follow appropriate procedures for collection of sample 
Follow WHS guidelines relating to disposal of equipment 
Label specimens in accordance with ISO 9000 or the National Australian Testing Authority 
Process and store specimens correctly 
Contain specimens appropriately for transport 
Report specimens ready for transportation 
Position client correctly and make comfortable 
Monitor client during and on completion of collection procedure to identify potential adverse outcomes 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

HLTPAT304D - Collect pathology specimens other than blood
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

HLTPAT304D - Collect pathology specimens other than blood

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: