Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:56 AM AWST
22/07/2026 10:56 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.
Collect, preserve and store post mortem samples
Collect, preserve and store post mortem samples
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTMT310D
HLTMT310D
State Code
WD199
WD199
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Deleted
Deleted
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/07/2012
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
30/07/2012
Nominal Hours
25
Description
DescriptorThis unit describes the knowledge and skills required to collect, preserve, and store pathological specimens collected during the post mortem examination for further testing
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for collection of specimen/s
- 1.1 Ascertain types of specimens/samples to be collected for further testing from medical personnel
- 1.2 Correctly use personal protective equipment
- 1.3 Select and prepare appropriate equipment and materials
2. Collect specimen/s
- 2.1 Collect specimen/s using appropriate equipment and materials
- 2.2 Place collected specimens in appropriate containers with appropriate solutions and media as required
- 2.3 Clean work area
- 2.4 Clearly label specimens in accordance with organisation policy and procedures
3. Prepare specimens for transfer to laboratory
- 3.1 Obtain relevant request forms from medical personnel for each specimen.
- 3.2 Package specimens for transfer to testing laboratory according to local organisation procedure.
- 3.3 Clean work area
- 3.4 Maintain inventory of specimens transferred
4. Disposal of retained specimens
- 4.1 Check appropriate authorisation for disposal has been given
- 4.2 Identify specimens for disposal
- 4.3 Dispose of retained specimens according to local organisation policies and procedures
- 4.4 Complete local organisation documentation required for disposal
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.
Specimen may include:
Whole organs or portions of organs and tissues
Body fluids
Skin samples
Nail clippings
Hair
Swabs
Testing may include:
Histology
Cytogenetics
Neuropathology
Microbiology
DNA
Toxicology
Drugs and alcohol estimation
Clinical chemistry
Haematology
Electron microscopy
Medical Personnel may relate to:
Pathologist
Authorised medical practitioner performing autopsy examination
Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:
Work health and safety (WHS)
Cleaning
Handling and disposal of retained samples
Packaging/transfer of samples for testing
Documentation
Equipment and materials may include
Scalpel blades and handles
Scissors
Labelling materials
Blood tubes
Sterile and non-sterile containers
Blood culture tubes
Various sizes of containers with or without fixing solutions
Swabs
Glass slides
Personal protective equipment may include
Gloves including cut resistant gloves
Gown
Protective eye wear
Face masks
Respirators
Aprons
Gumboots
Retained specimens may include:
Specimens surplus to requirements for testing
Specimens collected but subsequently not needed for testing
Solutions and media may include:
Formalin
Gluteraldyhe
Viral transport media
Inventory may include:
Hand written records
Electronic records
Authorisation may include:
Consent from next of kin
Order from Coroner
Authorisation of pathologist or relevant medical officer
Specimen may include:
Whole organs or portions of organs and tissues
Body fluids
Skin samples
Nail clippings
Hair
Swabs
Testing may include:
Histology
Cytogenetics
Neuropathology
Microbiology
DNA
Toxicology
Drugs and alcohol estimation
Clinical chemistry
Haematology
Electron microscopy
Medical Personnel may relate to:
Pathologist
Authorised medical practitioner performing autopsy examination
Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:
Work health and safety (WHS)
Cleaning
Handling and disposal of retained samples
Packaging/transfer of samples for testing
Documentation
Equipment and materials may include
Scalpel blades and handles
Scissors
Labelling materials
Blood tubes
Sterile and non-sterile containers
Blood culture tubes
Various sizes of containers with or without fixing solutions
Swabs
Glass slides
Personal protective equipment may include
Gloves including cut resistant gloves
Gown
Protective eye wear
Face masks
Respirators
Aprons
Gumboots
Retained specimens may include:
Specimens surplus to requirements for testing
Specimens collected but subsequently not needed for testing
Solutions and media may include:
Formalin
Gluteraldyhe
Viral transport media
Inventory may include:
Hand written records
Electronic records
Authorisation may include:
Consent from next of kin
Order from Coroner
Authorisation of pathologist or relevant medical officer
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
This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace under the normal range of workplace conditions
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
Method of assessment
Observation of work activities
Observation of simulation and/or role play
Written tasks
Relevant formal and informal education/training courses
Case studies and scenarios
Interviews/questioning
Role plays
Resource implications:
Access to suitable post mortem cases to enable assessment to take place
Equipment and materials for collecting specimens
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Relevant legislative requirements
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 assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other mortuary 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
This unit will be most appropriately assessed in the workplace under the normal range of workplace conditions
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
Method of assessment
Observation of work activities
Observation of simulation and/or role play
Written tasks
Relevant formal and informal education/training courses
Case studies and scenarios
Interviews/questioning
Role plays
Resource implications:
Access to suitable post mortem cases to enable assessment to take place
Equipment and materials for collecting specimens
Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols
Relevant legislative requirements
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 assessed independently, however holistic assessment practice with other mortuary units of competency is encouraged
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8339 | HLTMT310C | Collect, preserve and store post mortem samples | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J065 | HLT32512 | Certificate III in Health Services Assistance | Qualification |
| J060 | HLT32012 | Certificate III in Mortuary Theatre Practice | Qualification |