Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge to determine levels, function, activity and interactions of cellular and plasma components of blood using tests and procedures identified with the discipline of laboratory haematology.
This unit applies to laboratory technicians and technical officers working in the biomedical industry sector. While this unit focuses on the laboratory investigation of human physiology and pathology, it reasonably describes aspects of work performed in veterinary settings. The unit of competency assumes that technical personnel would perform tests and procedures under close supervision. The results of their work would also normally be integrated, interpreted and reported on by supervising scientists and medical pathologists. Although a supervisor may not always be present, the technician will follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) that will clearly describe the scope of permitted practice in modifying testing procedures, interpreting data and for communicating test results to people outside the laboratory. People performing haematology tests will meet the requirements of the laboratory that they are working in regarding the education and training they must have to perform the tests.
No licensing or certification requirements exist at the time of publication. However, regulations and/or external accreditation requirements for laboratory operations exist, so local requirements should be checked. Relevant legislation, industry standards and codes of practice within Australia must also be applied.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Process samples and associated request details | 1.1 | Identify specimens and request forms that do not comply with minimum industry requirements for labelling, identification and test requests |
1.2 | Record any discrepancies or sample quality issues and indicate what action is required | ||
1.3 | Log samples, applying required document tracking mechanisms | ||
2 | Perform tests | 2.1 | Conduct individual tests according to documented standard operating procedures, applying required quality control |
2.2 | Prepare blood films | ||
2.3 | Use appropriate manual haematological techniques | ||
2.4 | Identify normal and abnormal morphological characteristics of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets | ||
2.5 | Classify and count cell populations | ||
2.6 | Calculate red cell indices and white blood cells absolute counts | ||
2.7 | Interpret automated analyser results and correlate with blood film morphology | ||
2.8 | Record results in accordance with workplace procedures using correct terminology | ||
3 | Maintain laboratory records | 3.1 | Record entries on report forms or into computer systems, accurately calculating, recording or transcribing required data |
3.2 | Ensure samples and associated paperwork maintain traceability throughout testing | ||
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Oral communication skills to interact effectively with supervisors and managers (laboratory, quality and customer service), personnel in other laboratories in the workplace or in other workplaces to which work may be referred, customers, patients and clients, external auditors and accreditation agencies, such as National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)
Planning and organising skills to manage own work and ensure the timely completion of tasks.
Other foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit.
Competency Field
Testing