Receive and handle clinical specimens within the sterile field
Overview
This standard covers receiving clinical specimens collected during operative procedures.
The specimen may be required for investigation, diagnosis, autologous donation or transplant purposes.
You will be working in a 'scrubbed' role whilst undertaking these activities.
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 receiving and handling clinical specimens within the sterile field
P2. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
P3. confirm the practitioner’s requirements for the type of clinical specimen to be collected and that relevant consent has been obtained
P4. ensure the correct transport medium and container are available for the type of specimen being collected
P5. receive and handle the specimen correctly and safely in line with organisational policies and procedures
P6. label the specimen correctly and clearly with all relevant information, as directed by the relevant practitioner
P7. promptly clarify any uncertainty over requirements for handling and dispatch with a relevant practitioner
P8. dispatch the specimen to the correct destination for investigation in accordance with workplace procedures.
P9. complete all relevant documentation required for receiving and handling clinical specimens within the sterile field
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, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K8. the types and action of pathogens specific to the individual, wound infection and potential contamination of clinical specimens
K9. the potential consequences of contamination of the clinical specimen
K10. the different types of container and transport media for specimens for:
• histology
• haematology
• microbiology
• cytology
• biochemistry
• autologous donation
• transplant
K11. specific requirements for handling and transporting different specimen types in order that they arrive in a suitable condition for investigation
K12. the potential hazards and consequences related to incorrect labelling or dispatch of specimens
K13. special requirements relating to handling frozen sections, and the practitioner's role in dealing with such specimens
K14. the practitioner's role in monitoring, reporting and recording information relating to clinical specimens and how this links to other members of the care team
K15. the role of diagnostic support services in relation to clinical specimens
K16. how to complete records and reports required for receiving and handling clinical specimens within the sterile field in accordance with organisational requirements