Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 4:43 PM AWST
22/07/2026 4:43 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.
Receive and prepare pathology specimens
Receive and prepare pathology specimens
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTPAT301D
HLTPAT301D
State Code
WD237
WD237
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
27/07/2012
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
27/07/2012
Nominal Hours
40
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to receive and prepare a range of samples for pathology testing
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Receive specimens
- 1.1 Receive and process specimens as required by organisation policies and procedures
- 1.2 Check documentation for accuracy and legality to ensure that mandatory labelling requirements are complete
- 1.3 Reject specimens in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 1.4 Affix bar-code labels to request forms and specimens
- 1.5 Confirm requirements for specimen processing in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 1.6 Follow infection control and workplace safety protocols relating to the safe handling of specimens
- 1.7 Maintain records of non-conformities in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 1.8 Follow the organisation's procedures for information recording
2. Process specimens for scientific testing
- 2.1 Process specimens for diagnostic testing in accordance with scientist/pathologist instructions workplace health and safety guidelines
- 2.2 Operate and maintain equipment in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 2.3 Follow Infection control guidelines during processing of specimens
- 2.4 Enter data on specimens into database in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
3. Dispatch specimens
- 3.1 Check specimens to ensure they are appropriately secured for dispatch
- 3.2 Dispatch specimens to relevant department in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
4. Collect, sort and deliver reports
- 4.1 Deliver confidential reports are delivered within acceptable timeframes
RANGE STATEMENT
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
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
Documentation refers to the following, which must comply with legal requirements:
Request forms
Specimens
Labels
Bar-coding
Database
Organisation 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
The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
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
Documentation refers to the following, which must comply with legal requirements:
Request forms
Specimens
Labels
Bar-coding
Database
Organisation 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
EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
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
Observation in the work place (if possible)
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Oral questioning
Computer-aided assessment
Assesses portfolio, CV and documented evidence of work history
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Related units:
This unit can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other pathology units of competency is encouraged
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit:
The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills
Observation of workplace performance is essential for assessment of this unit
Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace
Where, for reasons of safety, space, or access to equipment and resources, assessment takes place away from the workplace, the assessment environment should represent workplace conditions as closely as possible
Context of and specific resources for assessment:
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
Observation in the work place (if possible)
Written assignments/projects or questioning should be used to assess knowledge
Case study and scenario as a basis for discussion of issues and strategies to contribute to best practice
Clinical skills involving direct client care are to be assessed initially in a simulated clinical setting (laboratory). If successful, a second assessment is to be conducted during workplace application under direct supervision
Oral questioning
Computer-aided assessment
Assesses portfolio, CV and documented evidence of work history
Access and equity considerations:
All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work
All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, workers should be aware of cultural, historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues, in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander clients and communities
Related units:
This unit can be delivered and assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other pathology units of competency is encouraged
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8397 | HLTPAT301C | Receive and prepare pathology specimens | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUZ99 | HLTPAT006 | Receive, prepare and dispatch pathology specimens | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J066 | HLT32612 | Certificate III in Pathology | Qualification |