Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 2:55 PM AWST
22/07/2026 2:55 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.
Operate efficiently within a pathology and specimen collection environment
Operate efficiently within a pathology and specimen collection environment
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTPAT305D
HLTPAT305D
State Code
WD241
WD241
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
27/07/2012
Field of Education
120505 - Work Practices Programmes
Original Release Date
27/07/2012
Nominal Hours
30
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to work effectively within a pathology and specimen collection environmentIt provides an overview of organisation structure and the procedures of pathology and specimen collection practices
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Work within the context of the pathology and specimen collection environment
- 1.1 Identify relevant departments and services within a health care setting
- 1.2 Identify facilities and devices to perform the role of a pathology assistant and specimen collection assistant
- 1.3 Observe clients participating in various types of specimen collection activities within the work environment
- 1.4 Ensure work performed reflects consideration of the key stakeholders and representatives of pathology and specimen collection practices
- 1.5 Participate within a health care team effectively
2. Demonstrate commitment to the central philosophies of the organisation and pathology sector
- 2.1 Demonstrates consideration and understanding of the underpinning values and philosophy of the organisation and the sector
- 2.2 Ensure conduct is ethical and organisation policies and procedures on confidentiality and consent are followed
- 2.3 Identify personal values and attitudes regarding client are and take into account when performing work duties
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.
Contexts may include:
Statutory framework within which work takes place
Stakeholders and representatives may include:
Doctors
Nurses
Pathologists
Phlebotomists
Laboratory staff
Medical scientists
Departments may include:
Cytology
Immunology/serology
Histology
Cytogenetics
Media/sterilization
Endocrinology
Microbiology
Haematology
Biochemistry
Neuropathology
Transfusion medicine
Transmission medicine
Underpinning values and philosophy may include:
Customer service
Teamwork
Ethics and confidentiality
Consent to treatment
Laboratory accreditation
Quality improvement
WHS
Compliance with infection control standards and guidelines
Work environment may include:
Hospital
Collection centres
Nursing homes
Mobile collection units
Hospitals
Industrial workplaces
Research institutions
Sporting facilities
Universities
Public or private laboratory
Facilities may include:
Hospital
Private laboratory
Major responsibilities may include:
Confidentiality
Client identification
Labelling of specimen
Transport of specimen
Client interaction
Operating machinery
Testing procedures
Quality control
Organisation's underpinning values and philosophy will include:
A non-discriminatory approach to all people using the service
Ensuring the work undertaken takes account of and caters for differences including cultural, physical, religious, economic and social
Provision of accessible services for disabled clients
Different cultural and social contexts
The needs of indigenous Australians
The needs of people from non-English speaking backgrounds
Needs of specific religious groups
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.
Contexts may include:
Statutory framework within which work takes place
Stakeholders and representatives may include:
Doctors
Nurses
Pathologists
Phlebotomists
Laboratory staff
Medical scientists
Departments may include:
Cytology
Immunology/serology
Histology
Cytogenetics
Media/sterilization
Endocrinology
Microbiology
Haematology
Biochemistry
Neuropathology
Transfusion medicine
Transmission medicine
Underpinning values and philosophy may include:
Customer service
Teamwork
Ethics and confidentiality
Consent to treatment
Laboratory accreditation
Quality improvement
WHS
Compliance with infection control standards and guidelines
Work environment may include:
Hospital
Collection centres
Nursing homes
Mobile collection units
Hospitals
Industrial workplaces
Research institutions
Sporting facilities
Universities
Public or private laboratory
Facilities may include:
Hospital
Private laboratory
Major responsibilities may include:
Confidentiality
Client identification
Labelling of specimen
Transport of specimen
Client interaction
Operating machinery
Testing procedures
Quality control
Organisation's underpinning values and philosophy will include:
A non-discriminatory approach to all people using the service
Ensuring the work undertaken takes account of and caters for differences including cultural, physical, religious, economic and social
Provision of accessible services for disabled clients
Different cultural and social contexts
The needs of indigenous Australians
The needs of people from non-English speaking backgrounds
Needs of specific religious groups
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:
Relevant policies and procedures manuals, legislation and standards
Organisation's mission statement, strategic and business plan
Organisation charts
Floor plans
Instructions for the use of equipment
Specific instructions for staff
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
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
Interview and questioning
Authenticated portfolio/log book
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
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:
Relevant policies and procedures manuals, legislation and standards
Organisation's mission statement, strategic and business plan
Organisation charts
Floor plans
Instructions for the use of equipment
Specific instructions for staff
Method of assessment
Observation in the work place
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
Interview and questioning
Authenticated portfolio/log book
Supporting statement of supervisor(s)
Authenticated evidence of relevant work experience and/or formal/informal learning
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8401 | HLTPAT305C | Operate efficiently within a pathology and specimen collection environment | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J066 | HLT32612 | Certificate III in Pathology | Qualification |