Elements and Performance Criteria

Specimens may include:
Blood
Urine
Faeces
Swabs
Tissue samples
Body fluids
Smears
Sputum

Processing of specimens will include:
Receipt
Checking
Verifying
Recording date and time of arrival

Equipment may include:
Computers
Printers
Centrifuge
Biohazard cabinet
Scanner
Laboratory equipment relevant to receipt and preparation of specimens

Organisational policies and procedures may relate to:
Safe use of equipment
Use of personal protective equipment including gloves, gowns, masks, goggles
Taking appropriate action when spills, biohazard exposure or needlestick injuries occur
Infection control
Waste management
Safety and security of specimens for transport
Use of chemicals according to manufacturer/organisation directions and material data safety sheets
Guidelines for protection against needlestick injuries
International aviation transport authority (IATA) guidelines
Following appropriate laboratory manuals for safety, procedural, quality, registration
Notification of infectious tests
Maintaining equipment includes maintenance of centrifuge and all other in-house equipment

Documentation refers to the following, which must comply with legal requirements:
Request forms
Specimens
Labels
Bar-coding
Database

Critical aspects of assessment must include:
Receive and process correctly a range of samples for pathology testing
Comply with relevant policies, protocols, guidelines and procedures of the organisation
Effectively communicate with internal and external customers
Maintenance of specimen integrity
Correct documentation procedures for receipt and preparation of specimens

Relationship with other units:
This unit can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other pathology units of competency is encouraged.

Essential knowledge required includes:
Laboratory information processing procedures
Medical terminology and chemical abbreviations relevant to pathology
Departmental sub specialties
Pathology test requests
National laboratory standards
Identify blood tubes
Criteria for rejection of specimens
Pneumatic tube system
Bio-hazardous substances
Hospital environment
External customer locations
Laboratory policy and procedure manuals
Infection control manual
OHS manual
Relevant State and national legislation

Essential skills must include:
Computer skills required to maintain database
Handling of hazardous chemicals
Using 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 workplace safety pamphlets or procedure manuals, to reading labels and handling chemicals. 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 such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division to recording numbers.
Problem solving skills required included ability to use available resources

Resource implications
Resource requirements may include:
Specimens
Legislative guidelines
Area/division/guidelines
Request forms
Labels
Database
Equipment
Laboratory policy and procedure manuals
Infection control manual
OHS manual
Access to IATA course and accreditation

Method of assessment
Assessment may include:
Observation of performance
Oral questioning
Computer-aided assessment
Assesses portfolio, CV and documented evidence of work history
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
Training register

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 continuously to cover a variety of situations.

A diversity of assessment tasks is essential for holistic assessment.