Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 5:03 PM AWST
22/07/2026 5:03 PM 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.
Collect pathology specimens other than blood for specialised testing
Collect pathology specimens other than blood for specialised testing
Unit of competency
National Code
HLTPAT410D
HLTPAT410D
State Code
WD248
WD248
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
100
Description
DescriptorThis unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to follow procedures for collection of pathology specimens other than blood from clients for specialised pathology testingThe range of collections includes those normally performed by pathology collectors, and excludes collections normally undertaken by other health professionals
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for specimen collection
- 1.1 Correctly identify pathology request and client
- 1.2 Identify precise nature and requirements of the test request
- 1.3 Explain procedure to client and obtain consent 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 Ensure client is correctly and comfortably positioned and prepared for the collection procedure
- 1.6 Comply 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 and protective equipment correctly
2. Perform procedure for specialised test
- 2.1 Seek assistance of pathologist or medical scientist if required according to organisation policy and procedure
- 2.2 Prepare collection site according to organisation policy and procedure
- 2.3 Follow infection control procedures throughout collection procedure
- 2.4 Follow correct procedure for collection of sample
- 2.5 Follow organisation policy and procedures for safe handling of pathology and non pathology specimens
3. Perform post collection procedures
- 3.1 Dispose of waste in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- 3.2 Complete documentation
- 3.3 Check collection site
- 3.4 Cover collection site appropriately if required
- 3.5 Correctly position client and make them comfortable
- 3.6 Monitor client during and on completion of collection procedure to identify potential adverse outcomes
- 3.7 Provide relevant information and instructions to client
- 3.8 Notify appropriate staff if required 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 specimens and store them correctly
- 4.3 Ensure specimens are appropriately contained for transport
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 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
Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:
Collection and documentation of client personal and clinical information
Confidentiality of client information
Preparation for specimen collection procedures
Performance of specimen collection procedures
Infection control
Work health and safety (WHS)
Consent
Specimen preparation, labelling, storage and transport
Maintenance of specimen integrity
Documentation and recording keeping
Handling of waste
Pre-test criteria may include:
Client identification and other relevant details
Dietary restrictions
Collection of clinical information relevant to specialised test
Appropriate procedures for neonate and paediatric clients may require specialised skills and knowledge
Equipment and disposables may include:
Syringes
Needles
Alcohol wipes
Breath collection devices
Slides
Formalin
Gauze
Sweat inducer and related equipment
Bandage
Specimen container
Band-Aids
Swabs
Scalpel blades
Specialised tests may include:
Mantoux test reading
Sweat chlorides
Prolonged breath test
Herpes simplex swab
Nasopharyngeal aspirates
Specialised tests as determined by organisation policies and procedures
Specialised collections which are normally undertaken by Pathology Collectors, and which are in accordance with State and Territory legislation.
Personal protective equipment includes:
Gloves
Gowns
Aprons
Masks
Protective eye wear
Infection control procedures may include:
Standard and Additional precautions
Collection site preparation
Waste handling and disposal
Waste may include:
Clinical waste
Sharps
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
Nursing staff in Critical Care or Special Care Units
Medical Practitioner
Collection Centre staff
Venues for collection may include:
Centres/clinics
Collection centre
Home visits
Hospitals
Other facilities including aged care and mental health facilities
Correct procedures for storage of specimens may include:
Temperature control requirements
Adherence to timeframes
Protection from light
Use of fixatives
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
Organisation policy and procedures may relate to:
Collection and documentation of client personal and clinical information
Confidentiality of client information
Preparation for specimen collection procedures
Performance of specimen collection procedures
Infection control
Work health and safety (WHS)
Consent
Specimen preparation, labelling, storage and transport
Maintenance of specimen integrity
Documentation and recording keeping
Handling of waste
Pre-test criteria may include:
Client identification and other relevant details
Dietary restrictions
Collection of clinical information relevant to specialised test
Appropriate procedures for neonate and paediatric clients may require specialised skills and knowledge
Equipment and disposables may include:
Syringes
Needles
Alcohol wipes
Breath collection devices
Slides
Formalin
Gauze
Sweat inducer and related equipment
Bandage
Specimen container
Band-Aids
Swabs
Scalpel blades
Specialised tests may include:
Mantoux test reading
Sweat chlorides
Prolonged breath test
Herpes simplex swab
Nasopharyngeal aspirates
Specialised tests as determined by organisation policies and procedures
Specialised collections which are normally undertaken by Pathology Collectors, and which are in accordance with State and Territory legislation.
Personal protective equipment includes:
Gloves
Gowns
Aprons
Masks
Protective eye wear
Infection control procedures may include:
Standard and Additional precautions
Collection site preparation
Waste handling and disposal
Waste may include:
Clinical waste
Sharps
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
Nursing staff in Critical Care or Special Care Units
Medical Practitioner
Collection Centre staff
Venues for collection may include:
Centres/clinics
Collection centre
Home visits
Hospitals
Other facilities including aged care and mental health facilities
Correct procedures for storage of specimens may include:
Temperature control requirements
Adherence to timeframes
Protection from light
Use of fixatives
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
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
Interviewing and questioning
Computer-aided assessment
Formal appraisal systems
Staff/client feedback
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
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
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
Interviewing and questioning
Computer-aided assessment
Formal appraisal systems
Staff/client feedback
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
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8409 | HLTPAT410C | Collect pathology specimens other than blood for specialised testing | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVA01 | HLTPAT004 | Collect pathology specimens other than blood | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J082 | HLT41812 | Certificate IV in Pathology | Qualification |