Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 2:38 AM AWST
23/07/2026 2:38 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Perform specialist and technically difficult collections
Perform specialist and technically difficult collections
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTPAT420B
HLTPAT420B
State Code
D8415
D8415
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
30/06/2014
Field of Education
019909 - Laboratory Technology
Original Release Date
30/06/2014
Nominal Hours
180
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake specialist and technically difficult blood collections
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for blood collection
- 1.1 Correctly identify pathology request and client
- 1.2 Identify the precise nature and requirement of the test request
- 1.3 Explain test procedure, including mode of administration to client and obtain consent in accordance with organisation policies and procedure
- 1.4 Answer client queries with clarity and using appropriate language
- 1.5 Identify any condition or issue which may make the collection difficult and ways which may assist to alleviate these
- 1.6 Take into account client conditions that may make collection difficult
- 1.7 Ensure client is correctly and comfortably positioned and prepared for the collection procedure
- 1.8 Ensure compliance with pre-test criteria
- 1.9 Select and prepare equipment and disposables and collection containers for the collection
- 1.10 Maintain standard and additional precautions
- 1.11 Use personal protective equipment correctly
2. Perform collection
- 2.1 Identify appropriate method of collection and follow organisation policies and procedures
- 2.3 Place correct equipment and blood collection tubes appropriate for the test in order of draw to ensure the blood collection accords with test requested
- 2.4 Select and prepare collection site according to organisation policies and procedures
- 2.5 Collect sample following correct procedures and using correct equipment
- 2.6 Transfer correct volume of blood to the selected collection tubes in the set order of draw
- 2.7 Invert collection tubes within timeframe required and according to organisation policies and procedures
- 2.8 Follow correct procedure for collection of sample
- 2.9 Apply pressure to collection site for the required time following withdrawal of needle
- 2.10 Observe and dress blood collection site, and monitor client for adverse effects
- 2.11 Follow infection control procedures throughout collection procedure
- 2.12 Follow organisation policy and procedures for safe handling of pathology specimens
3. Respond to adverse client reactions
- 3.1 Ascertain possible contra-indications to procedure, possible complicating factors and modify procedure in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 3.2 Observe client during procedure, recognise reactions and respond promptly if necessary
- 3.3 Seek assistance of Pathologist or Medical Scientist if required according to organisation policy and procedure
4. Perform post-blood collection procedures
- 4.1 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
- 4.2 Complete documentation
- 4.3 Label blood collection tubes with time and date of collection, client details and other required information
- 4.4 Check collection site
- 4.5 Monitor client for possible adverse reactions
- 4.6 Provide relevant information and instructions client
- 4.7 Notify appropriate staff so that the client's condition can be monitored
5. Label and store specimens for transportation
- 5.1 Label specimens in accordance with International Standards Organisation 9000 or National Association of Testing Authorities standards
- 5.2 Process and store specimens correctly
- 5.3 Contain specimens appropriately for transport
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 undertaken solely by the pathology collector 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
Be made by a medical or authorized nurse practitioner
And 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
Condition or issue which may make the collection difficult may include
Presence of an underlying disease or medical condition which may affect the collection of blood, for example
leukaemia
dementia
Client fear
Age
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
Venipuncture
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
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 undertaken solely by the pathology collector 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
Be made by a medical or authorized nurse practitioner
And 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
Condition or issue which may make the collection difficult may include
Presence of an underlying disease or medical condition which may affect the collection of blood, for example
leukaemia
dementia
Client fear
Age
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
Venipuncture
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
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 (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 competency unit may be assessed independently, but holistic assessment practice with other pathology collection units of competency is encouraged
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 (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 competency unit may be assessed independently, but holistic assessment practice with other pathology collection units of competency is encouraged
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C9419 | HLTPAT420A | Perform specialist and technically difficult collections | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| WD254 | HLTPAT420C | Perform specialist and technically difficult collections | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J082 | HLT41812 | Certificate IV in Pathology | Qualification |