Collect specimens for drugs of abuse testing

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:44 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
HLTPAT010

State Code
OFH91

TGA Status
Current

DTWD Status
Pending

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
22/12/2025

View on TGA

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 confirm collection requirements, prepare individual and equipment and collect specimens via urine and/or oral and breath testing following the special procedures that apply for drugs of abuse testing. This unit applies to individuals working in collection centres, in hospitals, in other health care environments and workplaces where drugs of abuse testing take place. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with currentCommonwealth 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.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Confirm collection requirements

1.1 Greet individual courteously and identify self
1.2 Identify individual according to organisational procedures
1.3 Confirm that individual meets pre-testing criteria for required specimen collection
1.4 Obtain, interpret and record personal and clinical information according to organisational procedures
1.5 Explain collection procedure to individual
1.6 Obtain informed consent for collection procedure from individual

2. Prepare for collection procedure

2.1 Ensure collection environment is prepared according to standards
2.2 Confirm method of collection based on correct interpretation of clinical request
2.3 Select equipment and ask individual to select collection kit according to standard and organisational procedures
2.4 Prepare individual for procedure by removing excess clothing and other possessions, and store these securely
2.5 Provide accurate advice to individual about procedure

3. Collect specimen

3.1 Collect specimen according to standard and organisational procedures
3.2 Adopt infection control procedures according to organisational procedures
3.3 Observe individual during and after collection for potential tampering and respond according to organisational procedures
3.4 Assure specimen integrity by testing and securing specimen immediately following collection and for duration of time that specimen is responsibility of the collector

4. Follow post collection procedures

4.1 Label specimens according to standard and organisational procedures
4.2 Dispose of waste according to waste management and organisational procedures
4.3 Confirm information accuracy and specimen security with individual
4.4 Complete other collection documentation according to standard and organisational procedures
4.5 Prepare and secure collected specimens for transit or storageaccording to standard and organisational procedures, ensuring chain of custody is maintained

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
AVA00	HLTPAT005	Collect specimens for drugs of abuse testing	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
BTS1	HLT37525	Certificate III in Pathology	Qualification