Elements and Performance Criteria

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.


Pathology specimen requests are made by:
Pathologist
Specialist medical practitioners


Pre-test requirements include:
Client identification
Client details
Collection of clinical information
Appropriate procedures for paediatric clients may require specialised skills and knowledge


Pathology specimens may include:
Saliva
Sputum
Urine including via catheter
Semen
Stool
Swabs
Skin scraping
Blood
Aspirates
Tissue


Protective clothing includes:
Face protection
Eye protection
Gown
Apron
Surgical suits
Gloves, including surgical and kevlar
Protective footwear
Respirators


Correct storage of specimens may include:
Kept on ice or dry ice
Kept warm
Actioned immediately
Protected from light
Use of fixatives
Procedures may be undertaken in an assisting role eg assisting a pathologist with a fine needle aspiration


Relevant equipment and consumable items
specimen containers
Autopsy table
Trolleys
Surgical instruments
Scales
Specimen containers
Necropsy saw
Knives
Packing materials
Needles
Suture materials
Body bags
Electric scrubbers


Infection Control policy and procedures may include:
Personal hygiene
Cleaning procedures
Cleaning of surfaces and equipment
Use of cleaning chemicals
Use of personal protective equipment
Standard and additional precautions
Disposal of clinical and other wastes


Waste may include:
Clinical wastes
General waste
Toxic waste

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:
Access to an autopsy room where assessment can take place
Autopsy equipment
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Relevant legislative requirements


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


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