^
 
 

Unit of competency details

HLTHPS005 - Handle medical specimens (Release 1)

Summary

Usage recommendation:
Current
Mapping:
MappingNotesDate
Supersedes HLTMAMP409B - Handle specimens in a medical practiceThis version was released in HLT Health Training Package release 2.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages. Significant changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment, including volume and frequency requirements. Significant change to knowledge evidence. 05/Aug/2015

Release Status:
Current
Releases:
ReleaseRelease date
1 1 (this release) 06/Aug/2015

Companion volumes:
Unit of competency Assessment requirements

Delivery:
Find RTOs approved to deliver this unit of competency.

Training packages that include this unit

Qualifications that include this unit

Accredited courses that have this unit in the completion mapping

Classifications

SchemeCodeClassification value
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 019909 Laboratory Technology  

Classification history

SchemeCodeClassification valueStart dateEnd date
ASCED Module/Unit of Competency Field of Education Identifier 019909 Laboratory Technology  02/Nov/2015 
The content being displayed has been produced by a third party, while all attempts have been made to make this content as accessible as possible it cannot be guaranteed. If you are encountering issues following the content on this page please consider downloading the content in its original form

Content

Compare:
Compare content of this unit of competency with other releases or training components
Download:

Unit of competency

Modification History

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This version was released in HLT Health Training Package release 2.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages.

Significant changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment, including volume and frequency requirements. Significant change to knowledge evidence.

Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to handle specimens including organising off-site testing and performing certain on-site tests.

This unit applies to any health worker handling medical specimens. The scope of this unit does not include any specimen collection.

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.

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. Follow standard procedures for handling specimens

1.1 Apply standard precautions and codes of practice when handling medical specimens

1.2 Select and use equipment and instruments suited to the specimen being handled

1.3 Transfer specimen into appropriate container and seal properly, ensuring correct method of preservation has been used

1.4 Label containers accurately and store specimens in specified conditions

1.5 Follow established procedures in case of adverse incident

2. Organise off-site testing of specimens

2.1 Prepare specimens for transport according to specifications for packaging and transport

2.2 Check that specimen is accompanied by required accurately completed documentation

2.3 Arrange pick-up of specimen, if required, ensuring specimens are in correct location for pick-up

3. Conduct on-site testing of specimens

3.1 Use and maintain equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions

3.2 Conduct tests following practice protocols, standard precautions and industry standards

3.3 Accurately document results and report to appropriate personnel

3.4 Read and recognise significantly abnormal results and report appropriately and in a timely fashion

  • Foundation Skills

    The Foundation Skills describe those required skills (language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills) that are essential to performance.

    Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

    Unit Mapping Information

    No equivalent unit.

    Links

    Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=ced1390f-48d9-4ab0-bd50-b015e5485705

     

    Assessment requirements

    Modification History

    Release 

    Comments 

    Release 1

    This version was released in HLT Health Training Package release 2.0 and meets the requirements of the 2012 Standards for Training Packages.

    Significant changes to the elements and performance criteria. New evidence requirements for assessment, including volume and frequency requirements. Significant change to knowledge evidence.

    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 when handling at least 4 different specimen types

    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 specimen handling (national, state/territory, local):
    • codes of practice
    • records management and labelling
    • privacy, confidentiality and disclosure
    • work role boundaries – responsibilities and limitations
    • work health and safety
    • standard infection control requirements:
    • hand hygiene
    • use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
    • avoiding contact with bodily fluids
    • needle stick injury considerations
    • waste disposal
    • different types of medical specimens and associated handling procedures, including those for:
    • urine
    • blood
    • oral fluids
    • skin scrapings
    • storage conditions for different types of specimen
    • transport requirements for different types of specimen
    • types of on-site tests and how they are conducted, including:
    • uriscreen
    • pregnancy tests
    • blood glucose level measurement
    • how to deal appropriately with adverse incidents

    Assessment Conditions

    Skills must have been demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that reflects workplace conditions. The following conditions must be met for this unit:

    • use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
    • real specimens
    • packaging
    • storage facilities
    • documented procedures for the candidate to follow
    • modelling of industry operating conditions, including integration of situations requiring problem solving

    Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

    Links

    Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=ced1390f-48d9-4ab0-bd50-b015e5485705

    Back to top