Collect arterial blood samples

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:06 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.

Unit of competency

National Code
HLTPAT007

State Code
AUZ98

TGA Status
Deleted

DTWD Status
Deleted

Current Release Number
1.00

Current Release Date
06/08/2015

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

22/01/2016

Field of Education

019909 - Laboratory Technology

Original Release Date

22/01/2016

Nominal Hours

100

Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to confirm collection requirements, prepare client and equipment and follow policy and procedures for collection of arterial blood samples from clients for pathology testing. This unit applies to experienced pathology collectors, medical technicians and health professionals. Individuals may be working in collection centres, hospitals or other health care environments.The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australian/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Confirm collection requirements

1.1 Greet client courteously and identify self
1.2 Identify client following organisation and regulatory procedures
1.3 Confirm that client meets pre-testing criteria for the arterial collection and seek assistance from medical staff if required
1.4 Obtain, interpret and accurately record personal and clinical information in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
1.5 Explain collection procedure to client
1.6 Obtain consent for collection procedure from client

2. Prepare for arterial collection

2.1 Select and prepare equipment, transport containers and disposables suited to arterial collection
2.2 Position client to ensure comfort and safety of both client and collector
2.3 Confirm blood volume required according to laboratory requirements
2.4 Locate radial and ulnar arteries and check the integrity of arterial circulation of the hand using the Allen’s test
2.5 Proceed with test when all criteria are met

3. Draw arterial blood

3.1 Adopt standard and additional infection control guidelines and precautions according to organisation documented procedure
3.2 Prepare skin at collection site according to organisation policies and procedures
3.3 Locate radial artery, insert needle at correct angle 90 degrees, and collect sufficient sample volume for requested test
3.4 Following sample collection, apply sustained pressure to site immediately following collection according to organisation policies and procedures
3.5 Dispose of needle safely using the approved sharps disposal device in accordance with organisational policy
3.6 Fit stopper to syringe immediately after removal of needle
3.7 Mix sample thoroughly, label and prepare for transport in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
3.8 Ensure documentation is accurately and fully completed and confirm information accuracy with client
3.9 After appropriate length of time check puncture site to ensure bleeding has stopped and cover site with appropriate dressing

4. Perform post collection procedures

4.1 Dispose of waste in accordance with infection control protocols and organisation policies and procedures
4.2 Confirm client comfort and provide accurate post collection information and instructions
4.3 Notify appropriate staff so that the client’s condition can be monitored
4.4 Organise prompt transport of sample to testing location according to organisation requirements

No information

Replaces

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
WD250	HLTPAT412D	Collect arterial blood samples	Unit of competency