Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 3:07 PM AWST

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Measure spirometry

Measure spirometry

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTHPS004
State Code
AVA39
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Transition (Replaced)
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
06/08/2015
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/01/2016
Field of Education
030717 - Plant And Machine Operations
Original Release Date
22/01/2016
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to prepare a client for spirometry, complete the spirometry test and to provide a report as an aid to the diagnosis and management of ventilatory impairment. This unit applies to any health worker who takes spirometry measurements. Spirometry measurement is commonly conducted in hospitals, respiratory physicians rooms, general practitioner (GP) rooms, pharmacies and pathology 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.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare spirometer and materials for use
  • 1.1 Check cleanliness and functionality of spirometer and other materials
  • 1.2 Validate or calibrate spirometer in accordance with manufacturer specifications
2. Prepare client for procedure
  • 2.1 Greet client courteously and identify self
  • 2.2 Identify client following organisation and regulatory procedures
  • 2.3 Obtain, read, and accurately record client information, in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
  • 2.4 Identify and responds to contraindications for performing spirometry within scope of own job role
  • 2.5 Obtain clarifications from requesting health professional when necessary
  • 2.6 Take accurate client measurements, consider other inputs and calculate reference values from established value sets
  • 2.7 Seat client correctly for procedure
3. Perform spirometry
  • 3.1 Initialise equipment to commence recording and recordadditional information
  • 3.2 Coach client through procedure with the provision of continuous instruction, encouragement and reassurance
  • 3.3 Observe client throughout the procedure for ability to continue
  • 3.4 Identify recording as technically correct
  • 3.5 Provide client with feedback on performance
  • 3.6 Repeat spirometry as necessary to comply with current standards for repeatability
  • 3.7 Make technically acceptable measurements according to current standards
  • 3.8 Select indices for report in accordance with current standards
  • 3.9 Identify the need for administration of a bronchodilator in accordance with current standards and medical officer request
  • 3.10 Allow sufficient time for peak effect from bronchodilator and repeat spirometry
  • 3.11 Identify and respond to clinical emergenciesin accordance with organisation emergency procedures
4. Complete spirometry measurement
  • 4.1 Assist client as required on completion of procedure
  • 4.2 Review follow up arrangements with client
  • 4.3 Respond appropriately to client’s questions
  • 4.4 Dispose of or clean materials in accordance with organisation policies and procedures, and infection control guidelines
  • 4.5 Clean, restock and store equipment according to manufacturer’s guidelines
  • 4.6 Complete report to technically acceptable standards, provide a provisional interpretation of results and forward to physician for final interpretation
  • 4.7 Forward report and interpretation to requesting medical officer
  • 4.8 Enter details of client and test completed on to database and/or hospital information system
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WD252 HLTPAT414D Measure spirometry-flow volume loop Unit of competency
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OFH95 HLTHPS011 Measure spirometry Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
AWJ9 HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection Qualification