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Unit of competency details

MSL974030 - Process body fluid specimens using a point of care testing device (Release 1)

Summary

Usage recommendation:
Superseded
Mapping:
MappingNotesDate
Is superseded by MSL974036 - Process body fluid specimens using a point of care testing device 19/Dec/2022

Releases:
ReleaseRelease date
1 1 (this release) 28/Apr/2020


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  03/Jul/2020 
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Unit of competency

Modification History

Release 1. New Unit. This version was released with MSL Laboratory Operations Training Package, Release 3.0.

Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to complete pre-analytics, analyse body fluid specimens, record results and maintain a point of care testing (PoCT) device.

This unit applies to operators who follow standard operating procedures and apply quality systems to analyse body fluid specimens after the initial collection process. It is relevant to operators working directly with clients and those working in laboratories. The unit relates to diagnostic PoCT devices that provide an electronic read-out such as those used for measuring glucose, blood gases and haematological or biochemical parameters. It does not relate to devices used for toxicology, dipstick, test strip or lateral flow testing and other simple manual devices.

No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must be applied.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil.

Competency Field

Testing.

Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements 

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance Criteria 

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Complete pre-analytics

1.1 Confirm correct patient identification in accordance with standard operating procedures

1.2 Identify collection method and confirm specimen type has been approved for testing based on manufacturer requirements and standard operating procedures

1.3 Recognise and reject specimens that do not meet specimen quality requirements

2. Prepare and operate PoCT device

2.1 Prepare PoCT device for operation in accordance with standard operating procedures

2.2 Follow standard operating procedures for traceability of operator and patient

2.3 Maintain test integrity through appropriate handling of consumables

2.4 Perform tests in accordance with standard operating procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for infection prevention

2.5 Dispose of waste in accordance with standard operating procedures

2.6 Identify and troubleshoot result flags and errors in accordance with standard operating procedures

2.7 Identify and report device errors that are outside area of responsibility and refer to designated person, providing relevant supporting information

3. Review and document results

3.1 Review results against reference intervals and reportable range

3.2 Identify abnormal, clinically urgent and erroneous results, taking action in accordance with standard operating procedures

3.3 Accurately record results in accordance with standard operating procedures

4. Maintain device readiness

4.1 Clean and decontaminate devices in accordance with standard operating procedures

4.2 Identify, address and document minor device maintenance tasks in accordance with standard operating procedures

4.3 Identify stock stability and storage requirements, taking any actions that result in maintenance of stock availability and integrity

4.4 Perform routine quality-control tests in accordance with standard operating procedures

Foundation Skills

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

Unit Mapping Information

New unit.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa

 

Assessment requirements

Modification History

Release 1. New Unit. This version was released with MSL Laboratory Operations Training Package, Release 3.0.

Performance Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has completed the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit, and:

  • used a PoCT device in accordance with standard operating procedures, and completed the following at least once:
  • specimen processing
  • device maintenance
  • a routine quality-control test.

Knowledge Evidence

There must be evidence the candidate has knowledge of:

  • existence and purpose of national and international standards and guidelines for PoCT
  • basic principles of quality assurance, the importance of a quality system, and key areas to be addressed:
  • quality control
  • external quality-assurance program
  • traceability
  • documentation
  • roles and responsibilities
  • different types of PoCT devices and their purpose, including knowledge of at least one device type that is used to measure each of the following:
  • glucose
  • haematological parameters
  • biochemical parameters
  • blood gas
  • methods of patient identification and preparation
  • specimen collection methods:
  • blood (capillary, venous, arterial)
  • urine
  • swab
  • risk and safety requirements associated with the handling and disposal of specimens
  • operator tracking and its implications
  • initial and ongoing operator training requirements
  • common causes of variations in testing and results
  • how to recognise and report abnormal, clinically urgent and erroneous results
  • difference between reportable range and reference interval
  • limitations of comparing results from different types of devices
  • standard operating procedures for the PoCT device being used:
  • methods of patient identification and preparation
  • confirming suitability for testing and potential impacting factors:
  • collection parameters
  • patient preparation
  • specimen volume
  • specimen identification
  • device operation, quality control requirements and navigation
  • safety and personal protective equipment requirements for handling and disposal of reagents
  • consumables and reagents storage and stability
  • device troubleshooting
  • recording of results
  • reporting of issues outside area of responsibility:
  • device failure
  • quality control
  • need for technology updates
  • device cleaning and minor maintenance, including servicing requirements

Assessment Conditions

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

  • use of suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:
  • PoCT device and associated consumables
  • specimens for testing
  • standard operating procedures
  • PPE and infection prevention procedures for PoCT.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.

Links

Companion Volume implementation guides are found in VETNet - https://vetnet.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=5c63a03b-4a6b-4ae5-9560-1e3c5f462baa