Carry out delegated activities in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens
Overview
This standard covers carrying out activities involving clinical specimens that have been delegated to you by a registered scrubbed practitioner.
This involves receiving the specimen from the scrubbed practitioner and ensuring it is placed into the correct type of transport container/media. It also involves correctly labelling the container and dispatching the specimen for processing. You will need to ensure your activities do not compromise the sterile field.
All actions and decisions should be carried out in accordance with current legislation, organisational policies, clinical protocols, and professional standards
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 carrying out delegated activities in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens
P2. use the correct transport medium and container as directed by the relevant practitioner
P3. receive and handle the specimen correctly and safely in line with organisational policies and procedures
P4. label the specimen with all relevant information, as directed by the relevant practitioner
P5. clarify any uncertainty over requirements for handling and dispatch with a relevant practitioner
P6. dispatch the specimen to the correct destination for investigation in accordance with workplace procedures
P7. ensure that your position and movements do not compromise the sterile field
P8. take appropriate action without delay if there is any breakdown of the sterile field
P9. complete all relevant documentation required for carrying out delegated activities in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. the current legislation, local guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
K4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K5. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
K6. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
K7. the principles of asepsis in relation to the maintenance of the sterile field
K8. the different types of container and transport media for specimens for:
• histology
• haematology
• microbiology
• cytology
• biochemistry
• autologous donation
• transplant
K9. ways in which the sterile field can be compromised by those working outside it, and how this can be avoided
K10. the specific requirements for handling and transporting different types of specimens in order that they arrive in a suitable condition for investigation
K11. the potential hazards and other consequences related to incorrect labelling or dispatch of specimens
K12. the special requirements relating to handling frozen sections, and the circulating role in dealing with such specimens
K13. how to complete records and reports required for carrying out delegated activities in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens in accordance with organisational requirements