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

Context of and specific resources for assessment:

Relevant equipment

Training arm

Emergency response procedures

Infection control procedures

Clinical risk assessment policy and procedures

Workplace health and safety guidelines

Laboratory policy and procedure guidelines

Pre-test criteria

Other organisation policies and procedures

Duties statements and/or job descriptions

Method of assessment

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

Interviewing and questioning

Computer-aided assessment

Formal appraisal systems

Staff/client feedback

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:

This unit should be assessed in conjunction with the following related units:

HLTPAT304C Collect pathology specimens

HLTPAT306C Perform blood collection

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:

Anatomy and physiology relevant to the range of collection sites and procedures

Common reactions and complications of pathology collection procedures relevant to work role

Direction of flow of oxygenated and deoxygenated blood through the heart and lungs

Elementary anatomy and physiology of the heart relevant to pathology collection

Elementary anatomy and physiology of the vascular and nervous systems, particularly the close association of blood vessels and nerves of the limbs relevant to pathology collection

Elementary anatomy of arteries, veins and capillaries

Emergency procedures for client reactions and complications

Relevant medical terminology and common clinical laboratory abbreviations

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 first aid

Assess potential clinical risks to individual clients of a range of collection procedures

Demonstrate client observation skills for detection of reactions and complications

Demonstrate client positioning skills for various collection procedures

Follow emergency response procedures for client reactions and complications

Follow response procedures to median nerve injury during venepuncture

Identify and locate the blood vessels and nerves relevant to the range of collection sites

Identify elementary functions, common disorders and common diagnostic tests for each of the skeletal, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, endocrine and lymphatic systems relevant to work role

Identify major veins in limbs

Identify significant structures of the heart

Identify the greater blood vessels which enter and exit the heart

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division 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 community language, depending on client group and organisation requirements

Use problem solving skills required including the ability to use available resources, assemble equipment and prioritise workload

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.

Clinical and personal information may include:

Clinical history

Allergies

Current and recent medications

Recent illnesses

Reactions/complications to previous collection procedures

Clinical risks may relate to or include:

Reactions and complications to procedure

Infection

Hemoconcentration

Haemolysis

Blood components

Needle stick injury

Excessive bleeding

Damage to nervous system

Vascular damage

Location of venous access

Concurrent treatments and therapy

IV therapy

Collection procedure may include:

Blood collection

Other specimen collection

Pre-test criteria relates to the organisation's clinical screening process and client information collection that is undertaken prior to performance of a collection procedure

Appropriate person may include:

Supervisor

Other Pathology Collection staff

Medical Scientist

Medical Officer

Pathologist

Emergency procedures may include:

As determined by organisation policies and procedures

First aid procedures

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Immediate notification to appropriate personnel

Contact ambulance service

Following hospital emergency procedures if the client is in hospital

First Aid protocols may relate to:

Fainting

Nerve damage

Haematoma

Petechiae

Seizures

Mastectomy clients

Oedema

Obesity of client

Damaged veins

Excessive bleeding