Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to receive specimens, complete the administrative process to prepare samples for pathology testing, and dispatch specimens. This unit does not cover the dispatch of dangerous goods or the transport of specimens to external facilities.
This unit applies to individuals working in specimen reception roles in laboratories and pathology collectors and assistants in collection centres.
The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements define the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Receive specimens | 1.1 Receive and process specimens and requests in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 1.2 Check pathology request forms and specimens documentation for adequate labelling in accordance with organisation and regulatory requirements 1.3 Ensure suitability of specimens for requested tests consulting laboratory directories or manuals 1.4 Reject specimens if necessary and complete documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 1.5 Notify or consult with senior staff members as required 1.6 Follow infection control and workplace safety protocols relating to the safe handling of specimens |
2. Complete administrative processing of specimens | 2.1 Label specimens and request forms with unique laboratory number or bar code label in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 2.2 Register request forms, specimen and patient information into laboratory information systems in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 2.3 Complete administrative documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures |
3. Prepare specimens | 3.1 Confirm requirements for specimen processing in accordance with organisation procedures 3.2 Perform separation of sample by centrifugation in accordance with test requirements and organisation procedures 3.3 Prepare and label tubes for aliquotting in accordance with organisation procedures 3.4 Transfer sample by aliquotting into appropriate tubes in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 3.5 Sort samples according to appropriate laboratory department for testing in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 3.6 Store samples in accordance with test requirements and organisation procedures |
4. Dispatch specimens | 4.1 Ensure specimens for dispatch are packaged and labelled in accordance with organisation and regulatory requirements 4.2 Complete appropriate dispatch documentation in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 4.3 Dispatch specimens in accordance with organisation procedures and regulatory requirements |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:
followed established procedures, safety requirements and infection control guidelines in the receipt, registration, sorting, storage and dispatch of at least 5 different pathology specimens
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role. This includes knowledge of:
legal and ethical considerations for pathology specimen reception and preparation work, and how these are applied in organisations:
codes of practice, impact on national laboratory standards on role
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
records management
work role boundaries
types of hazardous substances that may be received and how to respond:
bio-hazardous substances
formalin
hydrochloric acids
additives and fixatives
criteria for rejection of specimens at reception stage
pre-test processing requirements and procedures:
coding
sorting
aliquotting
medical terminology and chemical abbreviations used in the pathology specimen handling process
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
pipettes
aliquot pots
personal protective equipment (PPE)
contaminated waste disposal
fridge
dryer
temperature controls
modelling of industry operating conditions, including presence of situations requiring problem solving
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance. |
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency. |