Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:22 AM AWST
22/07/2026 10:22 AM 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.
Collect arterial blood samples
Collect arterial blood samples
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTPAT412D
HLTPAT412D
State Code
WD250
WD250
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
19/07/2012
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
19/07/2012
Nominal Hours
100
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow policy and procedures for collection of arterial blood samples from clients for pathology testing
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for sample collection
- 1.1 Identify pathology request and client correctly
- 1.2 Explain procedure client and obtain consent in accordance with legal requirements and organisation policy and procedure
- 1.3 Obtain relevant clinical information and record in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 1.4 Calculate minimum blood volume required for test
- 1.5 Ensure client is correctly and comfortably positioned and prepared for the arterial blood collection procedure
- 1.6 Perform pre-collection testing to ensure integrity of arterial circulation at site of collection before proceeding
- 1.7 Check oxygen therapy and record to ensure client is breathing room air, specified air or gas mixture according to pathology request documentation
- 1.8 Assemble and prepare equipment and disposables
- 1.9 Maintain standard and additional precautions
- 1.10 Use personal and protective equipment correctly
2. Perform arterial blood collection
- 2.1 Prepare collection site according to organisation policies and procedures
- 2.2 Locate artery, insert needle at correct angle, and collect sufficient sample volume for requested test/s
- 2.3 Follow infection control procedures throughout collection procedure
- 2.4 Apply pressure to site immediately following collection according to organisation policies and procedures
- 2.5 Dispose of sharps safely using correct techniques and container
- 2.6 Fit stopper to syringe immediately after removal of needle
- 2.7 Mix sample thoroughly, label and prepare for transport in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
3. Perform post collection procedures
- 3.1 Dispose of waste in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 3.2 Complete documentation
- 3.3 Check puncture site to ensure bleeding has stopped
- 3.4 Cover puncture site appropriately
- 3.5 Leave client comfortable
- 3.6 Provide relevant information and instructions (e.g. bleeding)
- 3.7 Notify appropriate staff so that the client's condition can be monitored
- 3.8 Transport arterial blood sample to laboratory in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
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.
Pathology request may:
Be in writing
Be made by a medical or authorised nurse practitioner
And must be in accordance with relevant legislation
Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:
Entry to Critical Care or Special Care (e.g. Burns, Spinal) Units for blood collection purposes
Collection and documentation of client personal and clinical information
Confidentiality of client information
Preparation for arterial blood collection procedures
Performance of arterial blood collection procedures
Infection control
Work health and safety (WHS)
Consent
Blood sample preparation, labelling, storage and transport
Maintenance of sample integrity
Documentation and recording keeping
Handling of waste
Pre-collection testing may include:
Allen's test
Gas mixture may include
Room air
Oxygen therapy
Method of oxygen delivery (e.g. face mask, artificial ventilation)
Equipment and disposables may include:
Arterial blood gas syringe
Temperature controlled containers
Range of needles
Sharps containers
Alcohol wipes
Dressings
Ice pack
Iced water
Personal protective equipment may include:
Gloves
Gowns
Apron
Masks
Protective eye wear
Collection sites may refer to:
Radial artery (either arm)
Infection control procedures may include:
Standard and Additional precautions
Collection site preparation
Waste handling and disposal
Sharps may include:
Needles
Waste may include:
Clinical waste
Sharps
Cytotoxic waste
General waste
Personal and confidential waste
Documentation may include:
Record of test procedures
Complete and sign request form
Medical Record notation
Labelling
Data entry
Appropriate staff may include:
Registered Nurse
Nursing Unit Manager
Nursing staff in Critical Care or Special Care Units
Medical Practitioner
Collection Centre staff
Pathology request may:
Be in writing
Be made by a medical or authorised nurse practitioner
And must be in accordance with relevant legislation
Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:
Entry to Critical Care or Special Care (e.g. Burns, Spinal) Units for blood collection purposes
Collection and documentation of client personal and clinical information
Confidentiality of client information
Preparation for arterial blood collection procedures
Performance of arterial blood collection procedures
Infection control
Work health and safety (WHS)
Consent
Blood sample preparation, labelling, storage and transport
Maintenance of sample integrity
Documentation and recording keeping
Handling of waste
Pre-collection testing may include:
Allen's test
Gas mixture may include
Room air
Oxygen therapy
Method of oxygen delivery (e.g. face mask, artificial ventilation)
Equipment and disposables may include:
Arterial blood gas syringe
Temperature controlled containers
Range of needles
Sharps containers
Alcohol wipes
Dressings
Ice pack
Iced water
Personal protective equipment may include:
Gloves
Gowns
Apron
Masks
Protective eye wear
Collection sites may refer to:
Radial artery (either arm)
Infection control procedures may include:
Standard and Additional precautions
Collection site preparation
Waste handling and disposal
Sharps may include:
Needles
Waste may include:
Clinical waste
Sharps
Cytotoxic waste
General waste
Personal and confidential waste
Documentation may include:
Record of test procedures
Complete and sign request form
Medical Record notation
Labelling
Data entry
Appropriate staff may include:
Registered Nurse
Nursing Unit Manager
Nursing staff in Critical Care or Special Care Units
Medical Practitioner
Collection Centre staff
EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 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:
Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
Simulation of realistic workplace setting may be used for initial training and assessment
Artificial arm for initial training and assessment
Phlebotomy equipment required for the collection of arterial blood samples
Relevant personal protective equipment
Relevant waste disposal equipment
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
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 is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Interviewing and questioning
Computer-aided assessment
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 can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other pathology units of competency is encouraged
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 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:
Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
Simulation of realistic workplace setting may be used for initial training and assessment
Artificial arm for initial training and assessment
Phlebotomy equipment required for the collection of arterial blood samples
Relevant personal protective equipment
Relevant waste disposal equipment
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
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 is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Interviewing and questioning
Computer-aided assessment
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 can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other pathology units of competency is encouraged
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8411 | HLTPAT412C | Collect arterial blood samples | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUZ98 | HLTPAT007 | Collect arterial blood samples | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J082 | HLT41812 | Certificate IV in Pathology | Qualification |