The application of knowledge and skills described in this competency unit may relate to functions necessary for working within a pathology laboratory.
Work at this level may be undertaken independently or under guidance and/or supervision.
Elements and Performance Criteria | |||
Element | Performance Criteria | ||
1 | Prepare to undertake basic pathology tests | 1.1 | Ensure the specimen is appropriate for the test requested |
1.2 | Prepare environment for undertaking tests | ||
1.3 | Prepare equipment, solutions and agar plates and samples in accordance with organisation policies and procedures | ||
1.4 | Use personal protective equipment in accordance with workplace health and safety policies | ||
2 | Perform handling or basic testing of samples | 2.1 | Accept or reject specimens based on identification, and specimen quality in accordance with organisation policies and procedures |
2.2 | Identify specimen additives (anticoagulants etc) and select appropriate specimens based on additives | ||
2.3 | Adopt recommended safety precautions when handling biologically hazardous specimens. | ||
2.4 | Use correct techniques to separate samples for testing | ||
2.5 | Use recommended techniques to prepare samples for testing | ||
2.6 | Set up and complete basic tests and quality control procedures | ||
2.7 | Prioritise specimen processing based on clinical history provided | ||
2.8 | Take steps maximise test accuracy, validity and reliability | ||
2.9 | Conduct a re-test if test or quality control results are unreliable | ||
3 | Document results | 3.1 | Document test and control results in recognised format. |
3.2 | Recognise the importance of quality control | ||
3.3 | Maintain confidentiality of client information | ||
4 | Maintain environment | 4.1 | Clean and store equipment in accordance with laboratory guidelines |
4.2 | Sterilise equipment as required | ||
4.3 | Dispose of contaminated waster in accordance with infection control protocols and legislative and regulatory requirements | ||
4.4 | Store chemicals in accordance with organisation policies and procedures | ||
4.5 | Clean and disinfect work area | ||
This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit. |
Essential knowledge: Knowledge of specimen additives (anticoagulants etc) Knowledge of specimen acceptance and rejection criteria Knowledge of laboratory precautions for handling biological materials Knowledge of tests performed in a pathology laboratory Knowledge of procedures involved in referral to another laboratory Knowledge of the roles of professionals within the pathology industry Knowledge of the relationships between the various occupations within the pathology industry Knowledge of the different modes of practice including small and large laboratories Knowledge of terminology used within a pathology laboratory Knowledge of infection control with in a pathology laboratory OHS requirements Biohazard nature of specimens handled in the laboratory |
Essential skills: Ability to: Use universal precautions when handling samples Identify the range of pathology tests and their importance for client welfare Identify, prioritise and prepare samples according to sample type and/or clinical data Prepare specimens for analysis Comply with relevant policies, protocols, guidelines and procedures of the organisation Effectively communicate with internal and external clients Follow instructions Use basic computer skills Handle of hazardous chemicals Use time management strategies to set priorities Perform basic tests within the scope of the laboratory (This may include point-of care or bed side testing of samples) Recognise the need for performing and recording quality controls within the scope of the performed tests Practise effective communication Use reading and writing skills - literacy competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. The level of skill 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. Literacy support available in the workplace may range from having access to support or assistance from expert/mentor/supervisor, to having no communication supports available. Literacy may be required in English or a community language. Use oral communication skills and language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation. Assessors should look for skills in asking questions, providing clear information, listening to and understanding workplace instructions, and clarifying workplace instructions when necessary. Organisations may require competence in English or community language, depending on client group. Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division to recording numbers Use problem solving skills required including ability to use available resources |
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 assessee 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: | Equipment Laboratory policy and procedure manual Occupational health and safety requirements Infection control manual |
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 |
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. | |
Equipment, solutions, agar plates and samples may include: | Analyser cartridges. Cassettes or strips Analysers Centrifuges Pipettes Pre-packaged test kits for direct antigen tests (eg RSV screens of NPA, HCG, IM or D-Dimer tests Laboratory glassware Stains Solvents Alcohol Specimens |
Personal protective equipment may include but is not limited to: | Laboratory Gowns, Gloves, Eye protection Enclosed foot wear Masks if indicated by test protocol |
Organisation policies and procedures includes" | Collection and documentation of client personal and clinical information Confidentiality of client information Preparation for specimen collection procedures Performance of specimen collection procedures Infection control Occupational health and safety Specimen preparation, labelling, storage and transport Maintenance of specimen integrity Documentation and recording keeping Handling of waste NATA and ISO accreditation |
Specimen additives may include: | Acids Sodium Hydroxide Anticoagulants Preservatives including formalin Transport media |
Recommended safety precautions include: | Washing hands Cleaning spills Cleaning and disinfection (using approved methods) of soiled areas Changing and discarding soiled gloves Using the correct methods to decant fluids from samples and equipment The consuming of food or beverages within a laboratory is prohibited as is smoking |
Correct techniques to separate samples include: | Centrifugation Aspiration Pipetting |
Recommended techniques include: | Pipetting Aliquoting Weighing of chemicals and samples Calculation of amount (volume or weight) of required additives Measuring pH (with litmus paper or meter) Reading test strip result Record test and QC results |
Basic tests include | Specimen reception Direct antigen tests (HCG, RSVDGA, IM, D-Dimer) ESR pH urines Plating specimens in Microbiology Staining of slides |
Document test and control results includes: | Record QC with results as per protocol Action to be taken if QC is unacceptable (and record any action taken) |
The required outcomes described in this unit of competency contain applicable facets of Employability Skills
The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit of competency is packaged will assist in identifying Employability Skill requirements