DK9Y 04 (HSC238) Obtain and test specimens from individuals

Elements of competence

HSC238.1 Obtain specimens from individuals HSC238.2 Test, record and report on specimens

About this Unit For this unit you need to be able to obtain specimens, test some specimens in the work area, and forward some specimens for laboratory investigation.

Scope The scope is here to give you guidance on possible areas to be covered in this Unit. The terms in this section give you a list of options linked with items in the performance criteria. You need to provide evidence for any option related to your work area.

Specimens include: urine; including via catheter and mid-stream specimens; faeces; sputum; exudates; saliva; breath; aspirates; semen and skin scraping.

Adverse reactions may include: fainting; feeling unwell; pain; discomfort.

Equipment may include: swabs; receivers; cleaning solutions; specimen/sample containers; slides; gloves; request forms; clinical waste bags; needles and syringes.

Clinical specimens may include specimens for: histology; haematology; microbiology; cytology; biochemistry.

Standard precautions and health and safety measuresincluding: hand washing/cleansing before, during and after the activity; the use of personal protective clothing and additional protective equipment; handling contaminated items; disposing of waste; safe moving and handling techniques and untoward incident procedures.

Your knowledge and understanding will be specifically related to legal requirements and codes of practice applicable to your job; your work activities; the job you are doing (eg domiciliary, residential care, hospital settings) and the individuals you are working with.

Values underpinning the whole of the Unit The values underpinning this Unit have been derived from the key purpose statement1, the statement of expectations from carers and people receiving services, relevant service standards and codes of practice for health and social care in the four UK countries. They can be found in the principles of Care Unit HSC24. To achieve this Unit you must demonstrate that you have applied the principles of care outlined in Unit HSC24 in your practice and through your knowledge.

Evidence Requirements for the Unit It is essential that you adhere to the Evidence Requirements for this Unit – please see details overleaf.

1 The key purpose identified for those working in health and social care settings is “to provide an integrated, ethical and inclusive service, which meets agreed needs and outcomes of people requiring health and/or social care”

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SPECIFIC EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS UNIT Simulation:  Simulation is NOT permitted for any part of this unit. The following forms of evidence ARE mandatory:  Direct Observation: Your assessor or an expert witness must observe you in real work activities which provide evidence for some of the performance criteria from both elements in this unit. For example how you take all the necessary health precautions before, during and after carrying out procedures, how you interact with the individuals when taking specimens, including sensitivity to privacy and confidentiality.  Reflective Account/professional discussion: You should be able to describe your actions in particular situations and explain why you work the way you do, including adhering to legislation relevant to the taking of specimens.

Competence of performance and knowledge could also be demonstrated using a variety of evidence from the following:  Questioning/professional discussion: May be used to provide evidence of knowledge, legislation, policies and procedures which cannot be fully evidenced through direct observation or reflective accounts. In addition the assessor/expert witness may also ask questions to clarify aspects of your practice.  Expert Witness: A designated expert witness may provide direct observation of practice, questioning, professional discussion and feedback on reflective accounts.  Witness testimony: Can be a confirmation or authentication of the activities described in your evidence which your assessor has not seen. This could be provided by a work colleague or service user.  Products: These could include the labels and packaging which are required as part of good practice in this area of work These may also be assignments/projects: You may have been on a course about how to take specimens of various kinds, and have completed some assessment at the end of the course,. If so, you can use this as evidence of knowledge.

GENERAL GUIDANCE

 Prior to commencing this unit you should agree and complete an assessment plan with your assessor which details the assessment methods you will be using, and the tasks you will be undertaking to demonstrate your competence.  Evidence must be provided for ALL of the performance criteria, ALL of the knowledge and the parts of the scope that are relevant to your job role.  The evidence must reflect the policies and procedures of your workplace and be linked to current legislation, values and the principles of best practice within the Health Sector. This will include the National Service Standards or KSF for your areas of work and the individuals you care for.  All evidence must relate to your own work practice.

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KNOWLEDGE SPECIFICATION FOR THIS UNIT

Competent practice is a combination of the application of skills and knowledge informed by values and ethics. This specification details the knowledge and understanding required to carry out competent practice in the performance described in this unit.

When using this specification it is important to read the knowledge requirements in relation to expectations and requirements of your job role.

You need to provide evidence for ALL knowledge points listed below. There are a variety of ways this can be achieved so it is essential that you read the ‘knowledge evidence’ section of the Assessment Guidance.

You need to show that you know, understand and can apply in Enter Evidence practice: Numbers Legislation and organisational policy and procedures 1A factual awareness of the current local, UK legislation, national guidelines and local policies and protocols which affect your work practice in relation to obtaining and testing specimens. 2 A working understanding of your responsibilities and accountability in relation to the current European and National legislation, national guidelines and local policies and protocols. Theory and practice 3 A factual awareness of the importance of working within your own sphere of competence and seeking advice when faced with situations outside your sphere of competence. 4 A working understanding of the importance of applying standard precautions and the potential consequences of poor practice. Anatomy and physiology 5 A working understanding of the basic anatomy and physiology relevant to type of specimen collections, including the: (a) gastro-intestinal tract (b) genitor-urinary tract (c) skin (d) respiratory system Care and support 6 A working understanding of the importance of giving clear explanations to individuals to enable them to collect their own specimens when appropriate. 7An in-depth knowledge of why it is essential to maintain the individuals confidentiality. 8A working understanding of the possible adverse effects that may occur when collecting specimens. 9 A working understanding of how to respond in the event of an adverse effect. Materials and equipment 10 A working understanding of materials and equipment required for collecting the specimen. 11 A working understanding of materials and equipment required for testing specimens in the work area.

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You need to show that you know, understand and can apply in Enter Evidence practice: Numbers 12 A working understanding of the different types of container, transport media and request forms for specimens for: histology, haematology, microbiology, cytology and biochemistry. Procedures and techniques 13 A working understanding of the types of specimens that you may obtain. 14 A working understanding of specific preparation for individuals prior to specimen collection. 15 A working understanding of the tests and investigations that may be carried out on the specimens you obtain, either by yourself or others. 16 An in-depth knowledge of the normal findings when testing urine, and what abnormalities you might find. 17 A working understanding of the implications the results of the tests will have on the individual. 18 A working understanding of the possible adverse effects that may occur when collecting specimens. 19 A working understanding of how to respond in the event of an adverse effect. Records and documentation 20 A working understanding of the importance of accurate record keeping. 21 A working understanding of the importance of immediately reporting any findings which are outside or normal ranges and which demand urgent attention. 22 A working understanding of the information that is required to ensure accurate labelling of specimens that are to go to the laboratory for testing. 23 A working understanding of the potential hazards and other consequences related to incorrect labelling or dispatch of specimens. 24 A working understanding of the importance of immediately reporting any issues which are outside your own sphere of competence without delay to the relevant member of staff.

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HSC238.1 Obtain specimens from individuals Performance criteria DO RA EW Q P WT 1 You apply standard precautions for infection control and take over appropriate health and safety measures. 2 You explain the procedure to the individual at the appropriate level and pace, and support them to provide the specimen themselves. 3 You provide the individual with the necessary and appropriate containers. 4 You answer any questions from the individual accurately and promptly according to your role and responsibilities, passing on questions to other staff when the request is out of your remit. 5 You stop the procedure if the necessary preparations have not been followed by the individual or staff. 6 You obtain specimens from clients when they cannot do this themselves, and place them in the appropriate container. 7 You recognise and report without delay any condition or behaviour which may signify adverse reactions to the procedure, halt the procedure and take the appropriate action. 8 You ensure privacy and dignity at all times, taking into account the individual’s ethnic and religious background which might influence certain aspects of collecting specimens and ensure specimens are collected in the correct order, where necessary. 9 You label specimens correctly, attach the relevant documentation, place in the relevant bio-hazard bags, and put them in the correct place for storage, collection or transportation. 10 You record if you are unable to obtain the specimen and tell the appropriate member of the care team without delay.

DO = Direct Observation RA = Reflective Account Q = Questions EW = Expert Witness P = Product (Work) WT = Witness Testimony

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HSC238.2 Test, record and report on specimens Performance criteria DO RA EW Q P WT 1 You test specimens when required, using the correct process for the investigation to be performed, and according to the specimen being tested. 2 You report immediately any findings which are outside of normal ranges and which demand urgent attention and your findings according to your role and the individual’s care plan. 3 You reassure and inform the individual of the results of the tests according to their needs and the care plan or pass this on to other staff members if this is beyond your role and responsibility.

DO = Direct Observation RA = Reflective Account Q = Questions EW = Expert Witness P = Product (Work) WT = Witness Testimony

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To be completed by the Candidate I SUBMIT THIS AS A COMPLETE UNIT

Candidate’s name: ……………………………………………

Candidate’s signature: ………………………………………..

Date: …………………………………………………………..

To be completed by the Assessor It is a shared responsibility of both the candidate and assessor to claim evidence, however, it is the responsibility of the assessor to ensure the accuracy/validity of each evidence claim and make the final decision.

I CERTIFY THAT SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE HAS BEEN PRODUCED TO MEET ALL THE ELEMENTS, PCS AND KNOWLEDGE OF THIS UNIT.

Assessor’s name: …………………………………………….

Assessor’s signature: ………………………………………....

Date: …………………………………………………………..

Assessor/Internal Verifier Feedback

To be completed by the Internal Verifier if applicable This section only needs to be completed if the Unit is sampled by the Internal Verifier

Internal Verifier’s name: ……………………………………………

Internal Verifier’s signature: ………………………………………..

Date: ……………………………………..…………………………..

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