Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
23/07/2026 7:32 AM 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.

Operate effectively within a pathology testing environment

Operate effectively within a pathology testing environment

Unit of competency
National Code
HLTPAT317C
State Code
WD246
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
27/07/2012
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
27/07/2012
Nominal Hours
20
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required by workers in a pathology laboratory who perform work that reflects 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. Demonstrate an understanding of the structure and profile of the pathology industry
  • 1.1 Describe the organisation of the pathology industry
  • 1.2 Explain the relationships between the different occupations and modes of practice within pathology.
  • 1.3 Observe and describe the operation of a typical laboratory.
  • 1.4 Identify current legislation that impacts on pathology laboratories
2. Develop a knowledge of different sectors and roles within a pathology laboratory
  • 2.1 Identify the roles and responsibilities of different workers within a pathology laboratory
  • 2.2 Identify the role and responsibilities of pathology assistants including when and from whom to seek advice
  • 2.3 Develop an understanding of the different sections within a pathology laboratory
3. Develop an understanding of specimen processing
  • 3.1 Adopt recommended safety precautions when handling biologically hazardous specimens
  • 3.2 Follow organisation guidelines in the handling of urgent samples
  • 3.3 Follow organisation guidelines in the handling of non-replaceable samples
  • 3.4 Ensure sample labelling complies with organisation policies
  • 3.5 Store and transport pathology samples in line with organisation policies and procedures and legal and regulatory guidelines
  • 3.6 Perform specimens preparation or separation and storage according to test requirements
4. Document client information
  • 4.1 Use accepted protocols to document information in line with organisation requirements
  • 4.2 Use appropriate terminology to document identified problems related to application specimen testing
  • 4.3 Ensure that confidentiality of client information is maintained.
5. Work within organisation policies and procedures
  • 5.1 Access and follow organisation guidelines, policies and procedures
  • 5.2 Follow organisation administrative practices and procedures
  • 5.3 Access and follow legal and regulatory guidelines
  • 5.4 Document relevant information in accordance with organisation policies and procedures.
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.


Modes of practice may include:
Specimen reception
Specimen set up
Sample identification and processing as per organisation requirements
Loading analysers


Current legislation may include
Relevant Commonwealth, State or Territory Acts and Regulations specific to Pathology
Other relevant Acts and regulations including:
Work health and safety (WHS)
Privacy
Discrimination
NATA and ISO accreditation


Workers within a pathology laboratory may include but is not limited to:
Pathologist
Scientist
Laboratory technician
Pathology assistant
Phlebotomist
Ancillary staff


Roles and responsibilities of pathology assistants may include
Specimen reception
Data entry
Specimen separation and storage
Sample Identification and confirmation
Labelling of aliquots
Preparing samples for processing
Loading analysers
Making stains
Staining slides
Cleaning instrumentation
Temperature monitoring


Specimens may include:
Blood
Cultures
Urine
Faeces
Swabs
Tissue samples
Sputum
Body fluids
CSF pleural aspirates
Slides
Environmental samples (including water, food etc)


Different sections within a pathology laboratory include:
Haematology
Transfusion (Blood Bank)
Serology / immunology
Chemical pathology
Microbiology
Anatomical pathology / cytology
Cytogenetics
Molecular genetics


Specimens preparation includes:
Centrifugation
Aliquoting


Recommended safety precautions may include:
Wearing gown, gloves, recommended eye protection and mask (if indicated by protocol)
Wearing enclosed foot wear


Urgent samples may include
Samples received from emergency, ICU, CCU, SCN, oncology or as indicated by requesting Doctor or collection area.
Samples for tissue typing for organ transplantation
CSF
Blood gases,
Ammonia levels
Drug levels following an overdose
Lactates


Non-replaceable samples may include:
Histology samples and slides
Samples collected by invasive techniques (including CSF, aspirates)
Swabs
Specimens from a child under 2 years of age


Organisation policies and procedures may refer to::
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
Occupational health and safety
Specimen preparation, labelling, storage and transport
Maintenance of specimen integrity
Documentation and recording keeping
Handling of waste
Cleaning and maintenance of equipment (centrifuges etc)
Monitoring temperatures of storage areas
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:
Equipment
Laboratory policy and procedure manual
Occupational health and safety requirements
Infection control manual


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.


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
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
D8406 HLTPAT317B Operate effectively within a pathology testing environment Unit of competency