Unit of competency details

Descriptor 

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for specialised blood collection from clients of all age groups

Application 

Work performed requires a broad knowledge of varied activities and the ability to apply solutions to a wide range of non-routine and complex problems

Individuals will take responsibility for their own outputs, and provide some guidance and leadership to others to achieve outputs

All tasks are conducted in accordance with relevant federal, state and territory legislation and organisation policies and procedures including OHS and infection control guidelines

Pre-requisite unit 

This unit must be assessed after successful achievement of pre-requisite:

• HLTPAT306C Perform blood collection

Employability Skills 

This unit contains Employability Skills

Elements define the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

The Performance Criteria specify the level of performance required to demonstrate achievement of the Element. Terms in italics are elaborated in the Range Statement.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Prepare for blood collection

1.1 Correctly identify pathology request  and client 

1.2 Identify precise nature and requirements of the test request

1.3 Explain procedure client and obtain consent in accordance with legal requirements and organisation policy and procedure 

1.4 Obtain and record relevant clinical information in accordance with organisation policies and procedures 

1.5 Ensure client is correctly and comfortably positioned and prepared for the blood collection procedure

1.6 Ensure compliance with pre -test criteria 

1.7 Refer pathology request  to manager or appropriate health professional if required

1.8 Select and prepare equipment and disposables  and correct collection containers for the specialised test 

1.9 Maintain standard and additional precautions

1.10 Use personal protective equipment  correctly

2. Perform collection for specialised test

2.1 Seek assistance of Pathologist or Medical Scientist if required according to organisation policy and procedure 

2.2 Ensure client is correctly and comfortably positioned and prepared for the specific blood collection  procedure

2.3 Identify appropriate method of blood collection  is and follow current organisation policy and procedures 

2.4 Place correct equipment  and blood collection tubes appropriate for the specialised test  in order of draw to ensure the blood collection  accords with test requested

2.5 Select and prepare collection site according to organisation policy and procedure 

2.6 Collect blood following correct procedure and equipment 

2.7 Observe client during procedure for possible adverse reactions, and seek assistance from appropriate health professionals if required

2.8 Transfer correct volume of blood to the selected collection tubes in the set order of draw

2.9 Invert collection tubes within timeframe required and according to organisation policies and procedures 

2.10 Follow correct procedure for collection of sample

2.11 Apply pressure to collection site for the required time following withdrawal of needle

2.12 Observe and dress blood collection site, and monitor client for adverse effects

2.13 Follow infection control procedures  throughout collection procedure

2.14 Follow organisation policy and procedures  for safe handling of pathology specimens

3. Perform post-blood collection procedures

3.1 Dispose of waste in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

3.2 Complete documentation

3.3 Label blood collection tubes with time and date of collection, client details and other required information

3.4 Check collection site

3.5 Monitor client for possible adverse reactions

3.6 Provide relevant information and instructions client

3.7 Notify appropriate staff  so that the client's condition can be monitored

4. Label and store specimens for transportation

4.1 Label specimens in accordance with International Standards Organisation 9000 or National Association of Testing Authorities standards

4.2 Process and store specimens correctly 

4.3 Contain specimens appropriately for transport

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit.

Essential knowledge :

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

This includes knowledge of:

• Boundaries of responsibilities in relation to neonates in accordance with organisation policy
• Demonstrate knowledge of pre-test criteria
• Factors which may affect the analysis of specialised blood tests (e.g. temperature, handling, correct tube use)
• Human anatomy and physiology in relation to the vascular, arterial, nervous and endocrine systems relevant to blood collections from premature neonates and for other blood collections for specialised testing
• Medical terminology relevant to blood collection for specialised testing
• Minimum collection volumes for premature neonates
• Specimen handling procedures for specialised tests

Essential skills :

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit, manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to:

• Apply first aid management and/or response procedures relevant to risks associated with blood collection for specialised testing
• Comply with organisation policies and procedures including OHS and infection control
• Demonstrate assessment skills for determination of correct blood collection site and procedure in relation to premature neonates and for other specialised testing
• Demonstrate procedures to be implemented to resolve complications resulting from blood collections for specialised testing
• Demonstrate relevant OHS procedures
• Demonstrate the correct selection and use of equipment and disposables for blood collection for specialised testing
• Exhibit an appropriate level of care reflecting courtesy, responsiveness and helpfulness
• Identify clinical risks and response procedures in relation to the relevant range of blood collection procedures
• Operate applicable information system

continued  ...

Essential skills  (contd ):

• Provide clear explanation of intended procedure and obtain consent
• Recognise boundaries of responsibilities and refer problems to supervisor, pathologist, scientist or other appropriate health professional
• Select appropriate transit procedure and documentation, or selection of appropriate storage
• Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues
• Undertake correct techniques for blood collection through venepuncture or skin puncture
• Use correct technique to avoid cross-contamination of samples
• Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations, weighing and measuring requirements, and recording data.
• Use oral communication skills and language competence required to fulfil job role in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in:

• asking questions
• providing clear information
• listening to and understanding workplace instructions
• clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

• Use problem solving skills required including ability to use available resources and apply solutions to a wide range of non-routine and complex problems
• Use reading and writing skills required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation at a level of skill that includes reading and interpreting requests for pathology specimens, completing appropriate clinical and other documentation, and comprehension of complex and relevant policies and procedures
• Use time management strategies to set priorities
• Work without supervision within defined boundaries

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 :

• A simulated workplace environment to mimic the relations and communications between client reception, blood collection, specimen reception and the laboratory may be appropriate for initial training and initial assessment
• A real workplace is recommended for subsequent training and assessment
• All necessary blood collection equipment and tubes
• Current relevant organisation policy and procedure manuals

Method of assessment may include :

• 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
• Interviewing and questioning
• Computer-aided assessment

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 pathology collection units of competency is encouraged

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.

Blood collection for specialised tests undertaken with the assistance of a Pathologist , Scientist or other appropriate health professional may include :

• Dynamic endocrine testing
• Other blood collections for specialised testing as specified by organisation policies and procedures

Blood collection undertaken solely by the Pathology Collector for specialised testing may include :

• Blood collections from premature neonates
• Blood collections involving:
• Special pre-test conditions (e.g. Dexamethasone, clients receiving chemotherapy)
• Special tubes and equipment (e.g. Pyruvate, PKU, PTHrP tubes)
• Special specimen handling procedures (e.g. Cryoglobulins, cold agglutinins)
• Dynamic endocrine tests
• Synacthen Stimulation tests
• Other blood collections for specialised testing as specified by organisation policy

Pathology request may be :

• In writing
• Made by a medical or authorised nurse practitioner

But must be 

• In accordance with relevant legislation

Clients may include :

• Adults
• Adolescents
• Paediatrics
• Neonates
• Premature neonates, subject to organisation policy and procedures

Organisation policy and procedures may include :

• Scope of the Pathology Collector's role and practice
• Entry to Critical Care areas, Neonatal ICU, Burns Unit or Spinal Unit
• Access to humidicribs
• Collections from clients in rotating beds
• Pre-test criteria
• Consent
• Blood collection protocols
• Occupational health and safety
• Collection of clinical information from clients
• Correct use of personal protective equipment
• Disposal of contaminated and cytotoxic wastes
• Infection control
• Maintenance of specimen integrity
• Specimen transport requirements
• Emergency response procedures

Pre -test criteria may include :

• Client identification
• Relevant client details
• Collection of clinical information relevant to specialised test
• Fasting
• Other dietary restrictions
• Drug therapy
• Rest
• Contraindications
• Health status of the client
• Respiratory status
• Referral of issues to an appropriate health professional

Equipment and disposables include :

• Tourniquets
• Collection tubes
• Temperature-controlled containers
• Range of syringes and needles
• Multi-sample needle and holder
• Winged infusion set ("butterfly")
• Evacuated blood collection equipment
• Lancets
• Sharps containers
• Alcohol wipes
• Dressings
• Local anaesthetic skin cream

Personal protective equipment includes :

• Gloves
• Gowns
• Aprons
• Masks
• Protective eye wear

Blood collection procedures may include :

• Skin puncture
• Venepuncture

Infection control procedures may include :

• Standard and Additional precautions
• Collection site preparation
• Waste handling and disposal

Waste may include :

• Clinical waste
• Sharps
• Cytotoxic waste
• General waste
• Personal and confidential waste

Documentation may include :

• Record of test procedures
• Complete and sign request form
• Medical Record notation
• Labelling
• Data entry

Appropriate staff may include :

• Registered Nurse
• Nursing Unit Manager
• Collection Centre staff

Correct storage requirements of specimens may include :

• Use of ice or dry ice
• Maintenance of warm temperature
• Timely transfer to storage
• Protection from light

Venues for collection may include :

• Centres/clinics
• Home visits - invalid, elderly or disabled clients
• Hospitals
• Other facilities including aged care and mental health facilities