Aphoresis is the process of 'skimming off' the stem cells from blood to be used for transplant or stored in frozen form until needed

This unit of competency applies to aphoresis donations and all types of donation session. Workers are expected to deal with new, lapsed and regular donors

Enrolled/Division 2 nursing work is to be carried out in consultation/collaboration with registered nurses and under direct or indirect supervisory arrangements in line with jurisdictional regulatory requirements

Pre-requisite units

This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisites:

HLTEN522B Contribute to the registration and assessment of donors

HLTPAT411C Perform blood collection for specialised testing

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Assess general suitability to donate

1.1 Determine general suitability using regular blood selection criteria

1.2 Check blood donation history to determine donor suitability

2. Assess suitability for aphoresis donation

2.1 Determine age and weight limits meet donor selection criteria

2.2 Determine that platelet count, total protein and immunoglobulins meet donor selection criteria

2.3 Determine that ante-cubital veins are easily accessible in both arms

2.4 Check for haematological abnormality

2.5 Check donor recent medical history or medications and take appropriate action

3. Assess suitability for platelet aphoresis donation

3.1 Check that selection criteria for aphoresis donation are met

3.2 Determine that peripheral blood platelet counts and lymphocyte counts meet donor selection criteria

4. Determine donor willingness/ability to donate

4.1 Explain the donation process accurately and in a manner that meets donor needs

4.2 Explain risks associated with collection by aphoresis

4.3 Determine donor understanding of the process and risks

4.4 Explain timeframes

4.5 Document donor decision

4.6 Obtain signed consent form

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:

Organisation procedures and policies, including SOPs

Process of aphoresis donations

Regulations, standards and guidelines, including

Australian Code of Good Manufacturing Practice For Therapeutic Goods - Blood and Blood Components

MIMS Index of Therapeutic Agents (Drugs)

International Travel and Health Vaccination Requirements and health Advice, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Current edition

Uses of aphoresis donations

Timeframe requirements for aphoresis and platelet aphoresis donations

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 Professional Standards of Practice:

ANMC code of conduct

ANMC code of ethics

ANMC national Enrolled/Division 2 nurse competency standards

State/territory Nurse Regulatory Nurses Act

State/territory Nursing and Midwifery Regulatory Authority standards of practice

Scope of nursing practice decision making framework

Conduct interviews to collect all required donor information in a manner that meets the needs of the potential donor

Clearly explain procedure and associated risks

Clearly explain timeframes and commitment

Manage information to ensure all donor information is recorded accurately

Refer to donor selection guidelines and other tools when necessary

Use communication skills effectively:

to explain the processes and requirements

particularly when dealing with people found not suitable to be donors

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 performance in a work context is essential for assessment of this unit

The assessment is performed in a manner that ensures privacy, relieves apprehension and allows time for any necessary discussion or explanation

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of workplace situations and should occur on more than one occasion and be assessed by a registered nurse

Method of assessment)

Observation in the work place (if possible)

Written assignments/projects

Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice.

Questioning

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

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.

Types of donation may include:

Plasma

Platelet

Red blood cell plasma

Donor status may include:

New

Lapsed

Regular

Donor records may include:

Paper-based records

Computerised records

Regulations and standards may include:

Australian Code of Good Manufacturing Practice For Therapeutic Goods - Blood and Blood Components

MIMS Index of Therapeutic Agents (Drugs)

International Travel and Health Vaccination Requirements and health Advice, World Health Organisation, Geneva, Current edition

Australian Red Cross, National Blood Transfusion Committee, Guidelines for the Selection of Blood Donors

This unit contains Employability Skills