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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Collect arterial blood samples 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114724  Collect arterial blood samples 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Phlebotomy Technicians 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services Curative Health 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 2004-08-11  2007-08-11  SAQA 0855/04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-08-11   2011-08-11  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for learners who are working within the medical field and are required to collect arterial blood samples for pathology purposes The collection site is limited to the radial artery of either arm. This unit standard excludes drawing arterial blood from premature neonates and from indwelling arterial lines.

Knowledge and skills gained through competency in this unit standard will enable qualifying learners to fulfil their role in the medical workforce thus enhancing health care delivery and economic transformation. Knowledge gained will also be beneficial for progression to related occupations in the medical field.

Qualifying learners credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Correctly identify patients and accurately inform them, and their guardians in the case of minors, about the procedure.
  • Obtain and assess clinical information relevant to required sample before collection.
  • Collect arterial blood safely.
  • Meet post collection requirements. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competency in:
  • Language and communication skills at or equivalent to NQF level 3.
  • Mathematics equivalent to NQF level 3.
  • Unit Standard ID 7576: Demonstrate the ability to use a database for business purposes - NQF level 3 or equivalent.
  • Unit standard entitled: Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology relevant to phlebotomy - NQF level 4 or equivalent.
  • Unit standard entitled: Comply with safety requirements in the medical pathology or blood transfusion fields - NQF level 4 or equivalent.
  • Unit Standard ID 8600: Care for the customer - NQF level 3 or equivalent (Special note: The outcome range for Specific Outcome 3 is not applicable to phlebotomy).
  • Unit Standard entitled: Adhere to medical ethical guidelines while working in the medical laboratory or blood transfusion fields.
  • Unit standard entitled: Collect blood for pathology or blood transfusion - NQF level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The prescribed protocols referred to in this unit standard are the written instructions relating to specific tasks and procedures of the institution where the learner is currently employed. These instructions are studied and understood by the learner. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Meet pre-collection requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Evidence of treating the patient in a professional and ethical manner is demonstrated at all times. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Patient is positively identified according to prescribed protocol. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Informed consent is obtained according to prescribed protocol and relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Patient demographics and clinical information are obtained and recorded according to prescribed protocol. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Clinical information includes, but is not limited to, the time of blood collection, patient's temperature, respiration rate, the amount, method and duration of oxygen therapy, patient activity status and medication.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for arterial blood collection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Knowledge of a suitable site and any possible complications associated with the site are demonstrated orally or in writing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The integrity of arterial circulation at radial collection site is assessed using the Allen's test and any indication of compromised integrity of the circulation is reported to the designated person according to prescribed protocol. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Equipment is assembled and prepared. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The patient is safely positioned and assistance is sought if required. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Collect the arterial blood sample. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Infection control guidelines are followed throughout the procedure to minimise the risk of infection and cross infection. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hand washing, cleansing of the skin, discarding of medical waste, hospital isolation and cross infection protocols, use of personal protective equipment, prevention of sharps injury, care of the puncture site, aseptic technique.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The artery is located and sufficient arterial blood is collected for the required test/s. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    On completion of the procedure, adequate pressure is applied to the site until there is no evidence of bleeding. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Sample integrity is maintained until analysed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Expulsion of air bubbles, mixing of sample, cooling of sample.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The patient is observed throughout the procedure for any signs of adverse reaction and these signs are explained orally or in writing. Corrective action is taken should a reaction occur. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Adverse reactions include but are not limited to:
  • Arterial spasm, excessive post puncture bleeding, excessive pain, numbness, syncope, skin reaction, haematoma.

    Corrective action includes but is not limited to:
  • Immediate first aid response, reporting and documentation of the incident according to the prescribed protocol of the institution/organization.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Meet post collection requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Samples are labelled with patient details. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    All actions are measured against prescribed protocol.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Medical and general waste is disposed of. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    All actions are measured against prescribed protocol.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Required documentation is completed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    All actions are measured against prescribed protocol.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Samples are prepared for transit to processing facilities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    All actions are measured against prescribed protocol.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider by the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Learners can understand and explain:
  • Relevant policies and procedures of the organisation/institution.
  • The different methods of oxygen therapy administration.
  • How to read patient monitors to gain information regarding body temperature and oxygen saturation.
  • The safe use of arterial blood collection equipment.
  • The maintenance of asepsis during arterial blood collection.
  • Factors that can influence the quality of the arterial blood sample before, during and after collection.
  • The safe handling of children and infants during the collection of arterial blood samples.
  • Possible adverse patient reactions that may occur during arterial blood collection and how to react should they occur.
  • The relevant section of the Child Care Act No 74 of 1983 as it applies to phlebotomy procedures.
  • The use of the Allen's test in assessing the integrity of the circulation of the radial and ulnar arteries. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Solve problems/ make decisions.

    Embedded in all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Team work.

    Embedded in all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organisation.

    Embedded in all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Information.

    Embedded in all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate.

    Embedded in all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Technology.

    Embedded in all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Related systems.

    Embedded in all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Personal development.

    Embedded in all Specific Outcomes. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Entry Requirements:
  • Learners collecting blood samples must be registered with a relevant Statutory Health Council. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  48732   Further Education and Training Certificate: Phlebotomy Techniques  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2007-08-11  Was HPCSA until Last Date for Achievement 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.