Elements and Performance Criteria
- Prepare to undertake basic pathology tests
- Ensure the specimen is appropriate for the test requested
- Prepare environment for undertaking tests
- Prepare equipment, solutions and agar plates and samples in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- Use personal protective equipment in accordance with workplace health and safety policies
- Perform handling or basic testing of samples
- Accept or reject specimens based on identification, and specimen quality in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- Identify specimen additives (anticoagulants etc) and select appropriate specimens based on additives
- Adopt recommended safety precautions when handling biologically hazardous specimens.
- Use correct techniques to separate samples for testing
- Use recommended techniques to prepare samples for testing
- Set up and complete basic tests and quality control procedures
- Prioritise specimen processing based on clinical history provided
- Take steps maximise test accuracy, validity and reliability
- Conduct a re-test if test or quality control results are unreliable
- Document results
- Maintain environment
- Clean and store equipment in accordance with laboratory guidelines
- Sterilise equipment as required
- Dispose of contaminated waster in accordance with infection control protocols and legislative and regulatory requirements
- Store chemicals in accordance with organisation policies and procedures
- Clean and disinfect work area