Perform capillary blood collections

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 12:14 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
HLTPAT012

State Code
OFH88

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 client and equipment, and collect capillary blood using specific collection criteria, techniques and equipment. This unit applies to any individual for whom capillary blood collection is part of the job role. They may be working in collection centres, in hospitals or in other health care environments. The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with current 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.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Greet client and confirm pre-test criteria

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

2. Prepare for skin puncture blood collections

2.1 Examine client to determine capillary blood collection site
2.2 Assemble equipment for test requested and select capillary blood collection site
2.3 Determine minimum volumes of blood required according to testing, organisational procedures and volume limits based on client age and weight
2.4 Position client to ensure comfort and safety of client and self, using supportive holding techniques
2.5 Use appropriate warming device to safely prepare site according to organisational procedures
2.6 Identify when assistance may be needed and seek help

3. Draw blood

3.1 Clean site with approved cleansing agent and allow to air dry
3.2 Puncture the skin in the appropriate location, using an approved lancet appropriate to site selected and client age
3.3 Collect capillary blood sample according to organisational procedures
3.4 Invert capillary blood collection tube according to organisational procedures
3.5 Following collection, apply pressure to puncture site until site has stopped bleeding and apply wound dressing
3.6 Observe client before, during and after capillary blood collection for potential adverse effects and respond according to organisational procedures

4. Follow post-blood collection procedures

4.1 Label blood collection tubes in front of client with time and date of capillary blood collection and, client details according to organisational procedures
4.2 Dispose of waste according to waste management procedures
4.3 Confirm tube labellinginformation accuracy with client or carer
4.4 Complete capillary blood collection documentation in accordance with organisational procedures
4.5 Prepare collected samples for transit or storeaccording to test requested and organisational procedures

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
AVA02	HLTPAT003	Perform capillary blood collections	Unit of competency

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