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

Collect body fluids, tissue and excretion samples for medical pathology analysis 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114739  Collect body fluids, tissue and excretion samples for medical pathology analysis 
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  7 
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, or educate patients/clients in the self-collection of quality samples for medical pathology analysis.
Quality samples yield accurate results, which in turn enhance health care delivery and economic transformation.

The range of sample collections include urine, stool, sputum, semen, saliva, sweat, nail clippings and filings, vesicular exudate, hair and swabs, but exclude the collection of aspirates, tissue for histology, PAP smears and swabs requiring specialised knowledge and/or skills e.g. urethral, vaginal and nasopharyngeal swabs.

Qualifying learners credited against this unit standard will be able to:
  • Correctly identify patients/clients and accurately inform them about the procedure
  • Inform patients/clients, and their guardians in the case of minors, on how to collect their own samples where applicable
  • Select and prepare the equipment
  • Collect a good quality sample
  • Evaluate samples collected by patients/clients for suitability for analysis 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this qualification will have demonstrated competence 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 phlebotomy or blood transfusion fields - NQF level 4 or equivalent
  • Unit standard ID 8600: Care for customers - NQF level 4 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 teh medicine laboratory or blood transfusion fields - NQF level 4 or equivalent 
    		•

    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 
    The patient/client is treated in a professional and ethical manner at all times 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The patient/client is identified in accordance with the prescribed protocol 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Informed consent for the collection of the specimen is obtained according to prescribed protocol and relevant legislation 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Patient demographics and clinical information is obtained and recorded according to the prescribed protocol 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Pre-collection constraints pertaining to the required specimen are assessed 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pre-collection constraints include but are not limited to:
    Fasting/dietary requirements pertaining to the test requested, patient medication which may influence test results, the specific time the specimen must be collected, sexual abstinence where applicable
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Equipment in relation to the required specimen is selected and prepared 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Where applicable, chemicals are safely added to containers according to prescribed protocol 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Collect the sample. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Sample is collected from an appropriate site according to prescribed protocol. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Aseptic technique is evident in the collection of the sample/s. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    There is adherence to the prescribed safety protocol relevant to the collection of the sample/s. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Samples are labelled, documented and packaged according to the prescribed protocol. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Educate the patient/client in the self-collection of required sample/s. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The term patient/client also includes parents or guardians in the case of children 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Effective communication skills are demonstrated during interaction with the patient/client 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Pre-collection requirements are accurately explained and there is evidence that the patient/client understands 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pre-collection requirements include:
    Fasting/dietary requirements, patient medication which may influence test result, specific collection time requirements, sexual abstinence where applicable
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Information is given to the patient/client regarding the method of self-collection of the required sample/s 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Safety precautions pertaining to any chemicals present in the container are explained according to prescribed protocol 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Post collection requirements are explained and there is evidence that the patient/client understands 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Post collection requirements include but are not limited to:
    Sample labelling and documentation requirements, time constraints between the collection of the sample and delivery, temperature constraints before and during delivery, laboratory contact details should patient/client require further assistance/information
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Assess the pre-collection suitability of a sample collected by the patient/client. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pre-collection constraints pertaining to the sample are assessed through questioning the patient/client 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pre-collection constraints include but are not limited to:
    Fasting/dietary requirements, medication requirements/constraints, sexual abstinence if applicable, time of collection, type and quantity of specimen
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The sample is assessed by visual observation and questioning the patient/client 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Contents of container, quantity of sample, suitability of container used, time sample was collected, maintenance of sample temperature requirements during transport to laboratory/depot.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Sample labelling, documentation and packaging requirements are fulfilled according to the 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:
  • Communication skills when educating patients/clients, or guardians in the case of children, in the self-collection of samples
  • The relevance of pre collection, collection and post collection requirements in relation to the test requested
  • The collection instructions and sample requirements as per prescribed protocol
  • The maintenance of asepsis when collecting samples 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
  • Meet pre-collection requirements
  • Prepare for arterial blood collection
  • Collect the arterial blood sample
  • Meet post collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
  • Meet pre-collection requirements
  • Prepare for arterial blood collection
  • Collect the arterial blood sample
  • Meet post collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
  • Meet pre-collection requirements
  • Prepare for arterial blood collection
  • Collect the arterial blood sample
  • Meet post collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
  • Meet pre-collection requirements
  • Prepare for arterial blood collection
  • Collect the arterial blood sample
  • Meet post collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
  • Meet pre-collection requirements
  • Prepare for arterial blood collection
  • Collect the arterial blood sample
  • Meet post collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
  • Meet pre-collection requirements
  • Prepare for arterial blood collection
  • Collect the arterial blood sample
  • Meet post collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
  • Meet pre-collection requirements
  • Prepare for arterial blood collection
  • Collect the arterial blood sample
  • Meet post collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
  • Meet pre-collection requirements
  • Prepare for arterial blood collection
  • Collect the arterial blood sample
  • Meet post collection requirements 
    		•

    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
    Core  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.