Unit of competency details

HLT07 Version 4

HLT07 Version 5

Comments

HLTPAT409C Perform intravenous cannulation for sample collection

HLTPAT409D - Perform intravenous cannulation for sample collection

Unit updated in V5.

ISC upgrade changes to remove references to old OHS legislation and replace with references to new WHS legislation. No change to competency outcome.

Descriptor 

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required for insertion of intravenous cannulae for blood sample collection from clients

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 WHS and infection control guidelines

The extent of a Pathology Collector's role in cannula insertion may be subject to state and territory legislation and organisation policy, and competency should be demonstrated within the context of applicable legislation and organisation practice

A Pathology Collector may undertake cannula insertion and sample collection from cannulae; or may undertake sample collection from cannulae only

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 intravenous cannulation

1.1 Correctly identify pathology request and client

1.2 Identify precise nature and requirements of the cannulation and test request

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

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

1.5 Seek assistance clients if required

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

1.7 Ensure pre-collection criteria relevant to the procedure and specific test are met before proceeding

1.8 Refer cannulation and pathology request to manager or appropriate health professional if required

1.9 Coordinate cannulation and sample collection with activities of other health professionals

1.10 Assemble and prepare intravenous cannulation equipment and disposables

1.11 Maintain standard and additional precautions

1.12 Use personal protective equipment correctly

1.13 Chose insertion site and prepare in accordance with organisation policy and procedures

1.14 Apply local anaesthetic cream and dressing to selected insertion site in accordance with organisation policy and procedures

2. Perform intravenous cannulation

2.1 Seek assistance from an appropriate health professional if required

2.2 Remove local anaesthetic cream and dressing if used, and perform cannula insertion as soon as possible

2.3 Insert cannula following organisation policy and procedures

2.4 Follow infection control procedures throughout the procedure

2.5 Flush IV cannula in accordance with organisation policy and procedures

2.6 Label sample in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

2.7 Respond to complications in accordance with organisation policy and procedures

3. Perform post cannulation procedure

3.1 Remove and dispose IV cannulae in accordance with organisation policy and procedure

3.2 Check cannulation insertion site to ensure bleeding has stopped

3.3 Cover cannulation insertion site according to organisation policy and procedure

3.4 Provide relevant information and instructions client

3.5 Ensure client is left comfortable, and appropriate health professionals are notified so that the client's condition can be monitored

3.6 Dispose of waste in accordance with organisation policies and procedures and taking into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

3.7 Complete documentation

4. Label and store specimens for transportation

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

4.2 Process and store correctly

4.3 Ensure specimens are appropriately contained for transport

4.4 Transport blood sample to laboratory in accordance with organisation policies and procedures

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:

• Basic anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system and skin relevant to intravenous cannulation for blood collection
• Basic first aid relevant to intravenous cannulation for blood collection
• Basic medical terminology used in a pathology laboratory
• Clinical and general waste disposal procedures
• Relevant infection control policy and procedures
• Relevant organisation policies and procedures
• Specimen transport requirements

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 knowledge of clinical risks and complications of intravenous cannulation for blood collection
• Ask questions to obtain specific client and clinical information
• Communicate effectively with clients and with a range of healthcare professionals
• Comply with organisation policies and procedures including WHS and infection control
• Demonstrate application of correct pre-collection testing
• Demonstrate correct and safe techniques for intravenous cannulation for blood collection
• Demonstrate knowledge of boundaries of responsibilities and ability to refer problems to Supervisor, Pathologist, Scientist or other appropriate health professional
• Demonstrate knowledge of use and characteristics of various types of cannulation devices
• Follow documentation procedures
• Follow emergency response procedures for client adverse reactions
• Follow procedures to maintain sample integrity
• Follow safe working practices
• Follow workplace instructions
• Handle, label and transport sample correctly
• Provide clear explanation of intended procedure and obtain consent
• Select and use appropriate collection equipment
• 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 with others and display empathy with client and relatives

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:

• Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can take place
• Simulation of realistic workplace setting may be used for initial training and assessment
• Artificial arm for initial training and initial assessment
• Phlebotomy and intravenous cannulation equipment required for blood collection
• Relevant personal protective equipment
• Relevant waste disposal equipment
• Relevant organisation policy, guidelines, procedures and protocols

Method of assessment may include:

• Observation in the work place (if possible)
• 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

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 should be assessed in conjunction with the following related unit:

• HLTPAT411D Perform blood collection for specialised testing

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.

Pathology requests may:

• Be in writing
• Be made by a medical or authorised nurse practitioner
• And must be in accordance with relevant legislation

Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:

• Collection and documentation of client clinical information
• Confidentiality of client information
• Consent
• Preparation for intravenous cannulation procedures
• Performance of intravenous cannulation collection procedures
• Care and maintenance of IV cannulae in situ
• Administration of basic first aid and protocols for seeking assistance
• Infection control
• Work health and safety (WHS)
• Blood sample preparation, labelling, storage and transport
• Maintenance of sample integrity
• Documentation and recording keeping
• Handling of waste

Pre-collection criteria may relate to:

• Fasting
• Other dietary restrictions
• Resting
• Drug administration
• Absence of contraindications, e.g. peripheral perfusion
• Health status of client
• Referral of client issues to an appropriate health professional

Intravenous cannulation equipment and disposables may include:

• Tourniquet
• Chlorhexidine and alcohol swabs
• Chlorhexidine and alcohol wipes
• Cannulae
• Bung
• Dressings
• Local anaesthetic cream
• Three-way tap device
• Flushing equipment
• Extension set

Intravenous cannulation insertion sites may include:

• Sites determined by organisation policy and procedure

Personal protective equipment may include:

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

Appropriate health professionals may include:

• Pathologist
• Medical practitioner
• Registered nurse

Infection control procedures may include:

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

Complications may include

• Occlusion
• Infection
• Phlebitis
• Rupture
• Migration
• Extravasation
• Unsuccessful cannulation attempt
• Client discomfort or distress