Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:08 AM AWST

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Test blood glucose and advise on equipment and services for diabetes management

Test blood glucose and advise on equipment and services for diabetes management

Unit of competency
National Code
SIRCHCS004
State Code
AWX73
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
31/03/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
13/09/2016
Field of Education
060501 - Pharmacy
Original Release Date
13/09/2016
Nominal Hours
50
Description
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to test blood glucose, record levels, recommend appropriate home blood glucose testing equipment and assist customers with diabetes management information. It requires the ability to identify and act on triggers for referral to a pharmacist for therapeutic advice.This unit applies to pharmacy assistants working in community pharmacies. They work with some independence, under general supervision and guidance from others, but ultimately under the supervising pharmacist.No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify customer needs.
  • 1.1.Follow organisational procedures to respect and protect customer privacy.
  • 1.2.Question and actively listen to confirm customer needs.
  • 1.3.Explain features of initial and repeat blood glucose testing services.
  • 1.4.Identify and act on triggers for referral to pharmacist.
2. Test blood glucose levels.
  • 2.1.Follow organisational procedures for testing blood glucose.
  • 2.2.Explain limitations of single test as accurate indicator and suggest regular monitoring.
  • 2.3.Select quiet and comfortable area and clearly explain testing procedure to customer.
  • 2.4.Prepare and use testing equipment according to manufacturer instructions.
  • 2.5.Apply lancet to inside of customer fingertip or alternative area.
  • 2.6.Trigger lancet, hold blood against test strip loaded into monitor and wait for monitor to register blood glucose reading.
  • 2.7.Read test results, enter accurate and complete information on testing record and refer to pharmacist for verification.
  • 2.8.Provide confirmed record to customer and file copy.
  • 2.9.Dispose of used lancets and strips according to safety requirements.
3. Support use of home blood glucose testing equipment.
  • 3.1.Follow organisational procedures for supplying home blood glucose testing equipment.
  • 3.2.Identify and recommend equipment appropriate to customer needs and clearly explain its features.
  • 3.3.Demonstrate use, care and maintenance of digital home blood glucose testing equipment and confirm customer understanding.
  • 3.4.Provide information on common reasons for inaccurate readings.
  • 3.5.Show customer how to keep a blood glucose record.
4. Provide information on diabetes management.
  • 4.1.Encourage customer to take and record regular blood glucose readings and report to their doctor.
  • 4.2.Provide and process key information on the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS).
  • 4.3.Source, review and provide customers with information on lifestyle, self-care practices and availability of specialist services that support diabetes management.
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
WD899 SIRCHCS408 Test blood glucose and advise on equipment and services for diabetes management Unit of competency