Elements and Performance Criteria

Request for pathology specimen will be by written request from registered medical practitioner or nominated nursing staff eg nurse practitioner.

Patients include adult and appropriate paediatrics.

Pre-test requirements include:
Patient identification
Patient details
Collection of clinical information
Appropriate procedures for paediatric patients may require specialised skills and knowledge

Pathology specimens may include:
Saliva
Sputum
Urine including via catheter
Semen
Stool
Swabs
Skin scraping
Breath
Aspirates

Protective clothing includes:
Gloves
Gowns
Masks
Goggles

Venues for collection may include:
Centres/clinics
Collection centre
Home visits
Hospitals
Other facilities including aged care and mental health facilities
General workplaces

Equipment includes:
Vacuum flasks
Syringes
Needles
Lancets
Steri-wipes
Band-Aids
Paediatric urine bags
Swabs
Scalpels

Correct storage of specimens may include:
Kept on ice or dry ice
Kept warm
Actioned immediately
Protected from light
Use of fixatives
Procedures may be undertaken in an assisting role eg assisting a pathologist with a fine needle aspiration

Critical aspects of assessment must include:
Complies with policies and procedures including OHS, infection control etc
Demonstrates correct techniques for collection of pathology specimens other than blood
Basic First Aid
Basic anatomy and physiology relevant to type of pathology collections
Potential complications of collection procedures
Demonstrated knowledge of pre-test criteria

Concurrent assessment and relationship with other units:
Holistic assessment practice with other general health services units of competency is encouraged

Essential knowledge must include:
Knowledge of boundaries of responsibilities
Understanding of test requested and any special requirements - protecting the integrity of the specimen
Obligations with respect to confidentiality of patient/client information and legal and ethical issues
Basic medical terminology used in a clinical laboratory
Abbreviations commonly used in a clinical laboratory
Basic anatomy and physiology relevant to the work role and type of pathology collections
Client care
General knowledge of Pathology Laboratories eg various departments and tests performed
Knowledge of tests and appropriate times to collect eg drugs, last dose
Correct storage methods for specimens and fixatives

Essential skills required include:
Work cooperatively in a team environment and unsupervised (some centres only have one staff)
Respond productively to supervision
Exhibit an appropriate level of care reflecting courtesy, responsiveness and helpfulness
Basic computer skills
Application of standard and additional precautions
Maintain client confidentiality
Use time management strategies to set priorities
Reading and writing skills - literacy competence required to fulfill 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 and interpreting requests for pathology specimens and completing appropriate documentation. 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.
Oral communication skills and language competence required to fulfill 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 a community language, depending on client group.
Numeracy skills may range from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, weighing and measuring requirements to recording data
Problem solving skills required included ability to use available resources

Method of assessment
Assessment may include:
Observation of performance
Written tasks
Interviewing and questioning
Computer-aided assessment
Formal appraisal systems
Staff/client feedback
Portfolio/CV
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
Case studies and scenarios as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice in the work environment

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions. Assessment may be conducted on more than one occasion to cover a variety of situations.

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.