HLTPAT009 Collect Pathology Specimens Other Than Blood

HLTPAT009 Collect Pathology Specimens Other Than Blood

Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to confirm collection requirements, prepare client and equipment, and make routine pathology specimen collections. 

This unit applies to any individual for whom specimen collection is part of the job role. They may be working in collection centres, in hospitals or in other health care environments. 

The skills in this unit must be applied in accordance with current Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, Australia/New Zealand standards and industry codes of practice. 

Licensing/regulatory information

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Pre-requisite unit

No pre-requisite units.

Competency field

N/A

Unit sector

N/A

Elements and performance criteria

Element Performance criteria
Elements define the essential outcomes Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.
1. Confirm collection requirements

1.1 Greet client courteously and identify self 

1.2 Identify client according to organisational procedures 

1.3 Confirm that client meets pre-testing criteria for required specimen collection 

1.4 Obtain, interpret and record personal and clinical information according to organisational procedures 

1.5 Explain collection procedure to client 

1.6 Obtain informed consent for collection procedure from client  

2. Prepare for collection procedure

 

2.1 Confirm method of collection, including self-collection, based on correct interpretation of clinical request and according to organisational procedures 

2.2 Select equipment and prepare for collection according to organisational procedures 

2.3 Position client to ensure comfort and safety of client and self 

2.4 Identify when assistance may be needed and seek help 

3. Collect specimen

3.1 Adopt standard and additional infection control precautions and organisational procedures 

3.2 Collect specimen according to organisational procedures 

3.3 Assemble equipment for specimen collection avoiding contamination of specimen 

3.4 Observe client during and after specimen collection for potential adverse effects and respond according to organisational procedures 

4. Follow post collection procedures

4.1 Label specimen in front of client with client details, time and date of specimen collection according to organisational procedures  

4.2 Dispose of waste according to waste management and organisational procedures 

4.3 Complete specimen collection documentation according to organisational procedures 

4.4 Prepare collected specimens for transit or store according to test requirements 

Foundation skills

The foundation skills essential to performance of this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria are listed here, along with a brief context statement. 

Skills  Description 
Oral communication skills to: 
  • interact with clients, assess client against pre-test criteria and report findings using some specialised vocabulary. 
Writing skills to: 
  • complete familiar and unfamiliar documentation. 
Reading skills to: 
  • interpret request information in client records, technical and procedural documents, infection control policies and manufacturer specifications. 
Numeracy skills to: 
  • independently measure specimen volumes, interpret reference ranges and expiry dates 
Observation skills to: 
  • routinely monitor clients during and post specimen collection. 

Range of conditions

N/A

Assessment requirements

Performance evidence

The candidate must show evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the job role. There must be evidence that the candidate has:  

  • followed established technical, infection control and safety procedures to collect a minimum of 3 different specimen types selected from the below:
    • breath
    • DNA swabs
    • nail clippings and/or scrapings
    • saliva
    • semen
    • skin scrapings
    • sputum
    • stool
    • swabs – bacterial, viral and PCR
    • urine 

Knowledge evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage tasks and manage contingencies in the context of the work role.  

This includes knowledge of: 

  • legal and ethical considerations for pathology collection, and how these are applied in organisations:
    • children in the workplace
    • duty of care
    • informed consent
    • mandatory reporting
    • privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
    • records management
    • work health and safety
  • work role boundaries:
    • boundaries of responsibilities
    • sources of non-blood sample requests and interactions with other health services
  • standard infection control requirements for clinical procedures:
    • hand hygiene
    • personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • avoiding contact with bodily fluids
    • sharps injury prevention and treatment if sustained
    • waste management
  • industry terminology used in specimen collection:
    • equipment
    • procedures
    • abbreviations
    • medical terminology
  • key aspects of anatomy and physiology sufficient to make safe specimen collection
  • clinical risk factors in specimen collection and procedures designed to minimise those risks for different specimen types
  • factors which may affect the chemical analysis or specimens and the impact on collection:
    • appropriate times to collect
    • timing of last dose
    • required fasting times
    • protecting the integrity of the specimen
  • features, functions and use of the following specimen collection equipment:
    • sterile jars
    • 24hr urine containers with or without additives
    • swabs – viral, bacterial, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
    • paediatric urine collection bag
    • breath balloons
    • skin scraping equipment
    • nail clipping and scraping equipment
  • handling and storage methods for different specimen types 

Assessment conditions

All aspects of the performance evidence must be demonstrated using simulation prior to demonstration in a clinical workplace setting or an environment that reflects a real workplace.

The following conditions must be met for this unit: 

  • use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources including:
    • steri wipes or alcohol wipes
    • paediatric urine bags
    • swabs
    • scalpels
    • sterile containers
    • breath balloons
    • collection devices for skin and nail scrapings
    • packaging equipment consistent with regulatory and organisation transport requirements
    • documented collection procedures for the candidate to follow
  • modelling of industry operating conditions, including:
    • interactions with individuals with varied needs
    • presence of situations requiring problem solving 

Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations’ requirements for assessors and must hold this unit or demonstrate equivalent skills and knowledge to that contained within this unit

Mandatory workplace requirements

Assessment of performance evidence may be in a workplace setting or an environment that accurately represents a real workplace.

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