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:

Equipment

Contact lots

Policies/guidelines

Infection control guidelines

Method of assessment

Observation in the work place

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.

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

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:

Bio-hazardous substances

Criteria for rejection of specimens

Departmental sub specialties

External customer locations

Identify blood tubes

Infection control procedures

International Aviation Transport Authority (IATA) and National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) guidelines

Laboratory information procedures

Laboratory policy and procedure manuals

Medical terminology and chemical abbreviations relevant to pathology

National Blood Authority (NBA) standards for packaging blood

OHS procedures

Pathology test requests

Relevant State and national legislation

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:

Collect and deliver correctly, and on time, blood products to and from a specified destination

Communicate effectively with internal and external customers and with colleagues

Comply with relevant policies, protocols, guidelines and procedures of the organisation

Demonstrate route finding

Demonstrate spill procedures

Follow correct documentation procedures for receipt and preparation of specimens

Follow instructions

Maintain client confidentiality

Maintain specimen integrity

Pack and consign blood products as directed

Possess a relevant driver's licence

Relate effectively with a range of internal and external customers

Take into account opportunities to address waste minimisation, environmental responsibility and sustainable practice issues

Use computer skills required to maintain database

Use numeracy skills ranging from the ability to complete basic arithmetic calculations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division to recording numbers

Use oral communication skills and language competence required to fulfil job roles in a safe manner and as specified by the organisation, including skills in:

asking questions

clarifying workplace instructions when necessary

listening to and understanding workplace instructions

literacy in English or a community language, depending on client group and organisation requirements

providing clear information

Use literacy support available in the workplace that may range from having access to support or assistance from expert/mentor/supervisor, to having no communication support available

Use problem solving skills required including ability to use available resources

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 may range from the ability to understand symbols used in OHS signs, to reading workplace safety pamphlets or procedure manuals, to reading and understanding instructions

Use time management strategies to set priorities

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.

Documentation refers to the following, which must comply with legal requirements:

Request forms

Specimens

Labels

Bar-coding

Database

Organisation policies and procedures may relate to:

Safe use of equipment

Use of personal protective equipment including gloves, gowns, masks, goggles

Taking appropriate action when spills, biohazard exposure or needlestick injuries occur

Infection control

Waste management

Safety and security of specimens for transport

Use of chemicals according to manufacturer/organisation directions and material data safety sheets

Guidelines for protection against needlestick injuries

International Aviation Transport Authority (IATA) and National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) guidelines

Following appropriate laboratory manuals for safety, procedural, quality, registration

Notification of infectious tests

Maintaining equipment includes maintenance of centrifuge and all other in-house equipment

Correct storage requirements of specimens may include:

Use of ice or dry ice

Maintenance of warm temperature

Timely transfer to storage

Protection from light