Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 9:03 PM AWST

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Perform Pathology Tests

Perform Pathology Tests

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTPAT419C
State Code
WD253
TGA Status
Deleted
DTWD Status
Deleted
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
07/05/2012
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/06/2014
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
30/06/2014
Nominal Hours
100
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required by workers in pathology laboratories who perform duties that reflect an understanding of the structure and profile of the industry, the roles and relationships within and across the industry and key issues facing the industry.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare to undertake basic pathology tests
  • 1.1 Ensure the specimen is appropriate for the test requested
  • 1.2 Prepare environment for undertaking tests
  • 1.3 Prepare equipment, solutions and agar plates and samples in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
  • 1.4 Use personal protective equipment in accordance with workplace health and safety policies
2. Perform handling or basic testing of samples
  • 2.1 Accept or reject specimens based on identification, and specimen quality in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
  • 2.2 Identify specimen additives (anticoagulants etc) and select appropriate specimens based on additives
  • 2.3 Adopt recommended safety precautions when handling biologically hazardous specimens.
  • 2.4 Use correct techniques to separate samples for testing
  • 2.5 Use recommended techniques to prepare samples for testing
  • 2.6 Set up and complete basic tests and quality control procedures
  • 2.7 Prioritise specimen processing based on clinical history provided
  • 2.8 Take steps maximise test accuracy, validity and reliability
  • 2.9 Conduct a re-test if test or quality control results are unreliable
3. Document results
  • 3.1 Document test and control results in recognised format.
  • 3.2 Recognise the importance of quality control
  • 3.3 Maintain confidentiality of client information
4. Maintain environment
  • 4.1 Clean and store equipment in accordance with laboratory guidelines
  • 4.2 Sterilise equipment as required
  • 4.3 Dispose of contaminated waster in accordance with infection control protocols and legislative and regulatory requirements
  • 4.4 Store chemicals in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
  • 4.5 Clean and disinfect work area
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.


Equipment, solutions, agar plates and samples may include:
Analyser cartridges. Cassettes or strips
Analysers
Centrifuges
Pipettes
Pre-packaged test kits for direct antigen tests (eg RSV screens of NPA, HCG, IM or D-Dimer tests
Laboratory glassware
Stains
Solvents
Alcohol
Specimens


Personal protective equipment may include but is not limited to:
Laboratory Gowns, Gloves, Eye protection
Enclosed foot wear
Masks if indicated by test protocol


Organisation policies and procedures includes"
Collection and documentation of client personal and clinical information
Confidentiality of client information
Preparation for specimen collection procedures
Performance of specimen collection procedures
Infection control
Work health and safety (WHS)
Specimen preparation, labelling, storage and transport
Maintenance of specimen integrity
Documentation and recording keeping
Handling of waste
NATA and ISO accreditation


Specimen additives may include:
Acids
Sodium Hydroxide
Anticoagulants
Preservatives including formalin
Transport media


Recommended safety precautions include:
Washing hands
Cleaning spills
Cleaning and disinfection (using approved methods) of soiled areas
Changing and discarding soiled gloves
Using the correct methods to decant fluids from samples and equipment
The consuming of food or beverages within a laboratory is prohibited as is smoking


Correct techniques to separate samples include:
Centrifugation
Aspiration
Pipetting


Recommended techniques include:
Pipetting
Aliquoting
Weighing of chemicals and samples
Calculation of amount (volume or weight) of required additives
Measuring pH (with litmus paper or meter)
Reading test strip result
Record test and QC results


Basic tests include
Specimen reception
Direct antigen tests (HCG, RSVDGA, IM, D-Dimer)
ESR
pH urines
Plating specimens in Microbiology
Staining of slides


Document test and control results includes:
Record QC with results as per protocol
Action to be taken if QC is unacceptable (and record any action taken)
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:
Equipment
Laboratory policy and procedure manual
Work health and safety (WHS)
Infection control manual


Method of assessment may include:
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


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 competency unit should be assessed after or in conjunction with:
HLTPAT317B Work efficiently within a pathology testing environment
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D8414 HLTPAT419B Perform pathology tests Unit of competency