Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:13 PM AWST
22/07/2026 7:13 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens
Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTPAT011
HLTPAT011
State Code
OFH89
OFH89
TGA Status
Current
Current
DTWD Status
Pending
Pending
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
Nominal Hours
Description
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.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Receive specimens
- 1.1 Receive and process specimens and requests according to organisational procedures
- 1.2 Review pathology request form, and confirm adequate labelling according to organisational procedures
- 1.3 Confirm suitability of specimens for requested tests according to organisational procedures
- 1.4 Reject specimens if necessary and complete documentation in accordance with organisational procedures
- 1.5 Notify or consult with senior staff members as required
- 1.6 Follow infection control and workplace safety policies and procedures relating to the safe handling of specimens and disposal of contaminated waste
2. Complete administrative processing of specimens
- 2.1 Label specimens and request forms with unique laboratory number or bar code label according to organisational procedures
- 2.2 Register request forms, specimen and patient information into laboratory information systems according to organisational procedures
- 2.3 Complete administrative documentation according to organisational procedures
3. Prepare specimens
- 3.1 Confirm requirements for specimen processing according to organisational procedures
- 3.2 Perform separation of specimen by centrifugation according to test requirements and organisational procedures
- 3.3 Prepare and label tubes for aliquoting according to organisational procedures
- 3.4 Transfer specimen by aliquoting into appropriate tubes according to organisational procedures
- 3.5 Sort specimens according to appropriate laboratory department for testing according to organisational procedures
- 3.6 Store specimens according to test requirements and organisational procedures
4. Dispatch specimens
- 4.1 Ensure specimens for dispatch are packaged and labelled according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
- 4.2 Complete appropriate dispatch documentation to organisational procedures
- 4.3 Dispatch specimens according to organisational procedures and regulatory requirements
No information
No information
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUZ99 | HLTPAT006 | Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BTS1 | HLT37525 | Certificate III in Pathology | Qualification |