Obtain and test specimens from individuals
Overview
This standard covers obtaining specimens, testing some specimens at or near the patient's location, and forwarding some specimens for laboratory investigation.
Collection of blood specimens is not included.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and others in obtaining and testing specimens from individuals
P2. provide support to the individual, ensuring that you respect their rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs and dignity
P3. establish consent and access information on obtaining and testing specimens from individuals
P4. check the required preparations have been completed and stop the procedure if the necessary preparations have not been followed by the individual or staff
P5. provide the necessary and appropriate container for the specimen to the individual
P6. obtain specimens from individuals when they cannot do this themselves, and place the specimens in the appropriate container
P7. ensure specimens are collected in the correct order
P8. label specimens correctly, attach the relevant documentation, place in the relevant biohazard bags, and put them in the correct place for storage, collection or transportation
P9. record any problems in obtaining the specimen to the appropriate member of the team without delay
P10. perform testing using the correct process / analyser according to the specimen being tested
P11. reassure and inform the individual of the results of the tests according to their needs or pass this on to other relevant staff members in accordance with organisational procedures
P12. complete all relevant documentation required for obtaining and testing specimens from individuals
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions, legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols needed to obtain and test specimens from individuals
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K4. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K5. why it is essential to check the identity of the individual
K6. the required preparation for individuals prior to the type of specimen collection
K7. the importance of giving clear explanations to individuals to enable them to collect their own specimens when appropriate
K8. the adverse effects that may occur and how to respond to them
K9. the materials and equipment required for collecting the specimen and the types of specimens that you may obtain
K10. the different types of container, transport media and request forms for specimens appropriate to the specimen and planned test procedure
K11. the information that is required to ensure accurate labelling of specimens and the potential hazards and other consequences related to incorrect labelling or dispatch of specimens
K12. how to dispatch the specimen to the laboratory
K13. the tests and investigations that are carried out at or near the patient's location
K14. the implications the results of the tests will have on the individual
K15. escalating concerns
K16. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements in relation to specimen collection