Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to confirm collection requirements, prepare client and equipment and follow policy and procedures for collection of arterial blood samples from clients for pathology testing.
This unit applies to experienced pathology collectors, medical technicians and health professionals. Individuals may be working in collection centres, hospitals or other health care environments.
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. Confirm collection requirements | 1.1 Greet client courteously and identify self 1.2 Identify client following organisation and regulatory procedures 1.3 Confirm that client meets pre-testing criteria for the arterial collection and seek assistance from medical staff if required 1.4 Obtain, interpret and accurately record personal and clinical information in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 1.5 Explain collection procedure to client 1.6 Obtain consent for collection procedure from client |
2. Prepare for arterial collection | 2.1 Select and prepare equipment, transport containers and disposables suited to arterial collection 2.2 Position client to ensure comfort and safety of both client and collector 2.3 Confirm blood volume required according to laboratory requirements 2.4 Locate radial and ulnar arteries and check the integrity of arterial circulation of the hand using the Allen’s test 2.5 Proceed with test when all criteria are met |
3. Draw arterial blood | 3.1 Adopt standard and additional infection control guidelines and precautions according to organisation documented procedure 3.2 Prepare skin at collection site according to organisation policies and procedures 3.3 Locate radial artery, insert needle at correct angle 90 degrees, and collect sufficient sample volume for requested test 3.4 Following sample collection, apply sustained pressure to site immediately following collection according to organisation policies and procedures 3.5 Dispose of needle safely using the approved sharps disposal device in accordance with organisational policy 3.6 Fit stopper to syringe immediately after removal of needle 3.7 Mix sample thoroughly, label and prepare for transport in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 3.8 Ensure documentation is accurately and fully completed and confirm information accuracy with client 3.9 After appropriate length of time check puncture site to ensure bleeding has stopped and cover site with appropriate dressing |
4. Perform post collection procedures | 4.1 Dispose of waste in accordance with infection control protocols and organisation policies and procedures 4.2 Confirm client comfort and provide accurate post collection information and instructions 4.3 Notify appropriate staff so that the client’s condition can be monitored 4.4 Organise prompt transport of sample to testing location according to organisation 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:
performed the activities outlined in the performance criteria of this unit during a period of at least 400 hours of work as a health professional, medical technician or pathology collector
followed established technical, infection control and safety procedures for the collection of arterial blood from at least 3 different clients
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 (national and state/territory) for collection of arterial blood samples collection, and how these are applied in organisations:
duty of care
informed consent
mandatory reporting
privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
records management
work role boundaries
boundaries of responsibilities
sources of blood sample requests and the nature of interactions with other health services
work health and safety
standard infection control requirements for clinical procedures:
hand hygiene
use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
avoiding contact with bodily fluids
sharps injury prevention and treatment if sustained
waste disposal
industry terminology used in arterial blood collection:
equipment
procedures
abbreviations
medical terminology
clinical risks of arterial blood collection and how to avoid or minimise
pre-test procedures:
oxygen therapy
room air
medication
appropriate collection sites for arterial blood and techniques for collection
features, functions and use of arterial blood collection equipment
anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system relevant to arterial blood collection, including the importance of surrounding structures and purpose of performing circulation assessment (Allen’s test)
management of post collection complications, including bleeding
arterial blood sample handling, transport and storage requirements
quality sample requirements
basic analysis process for arterial blood samples
Assessment Conditions
Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace with the addition of simulations and scenarios where the full range of contexts and situations have not been provided in the workplace. The following conditions must be met for this unit:
use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
arterial blood gas syringe
temperature controlled containers
needles
sharps containers
alcohol wipes
dressings
ice packs
documented collection procedures for the candidate to follow
modelling of industry operating conditions, including:
interactions with clients from general public
presence of situations requiring problem solving
All aspects of the performance evidence must have been demonstrated using simulation prior to being demonstrated in the workplace/with members of the public.
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. |