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

Handle biological specimens in a haematology laboratory 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
257197  Handle biological specimens in a haematology laboratory 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Medical Laboratory Assistants 
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 3  NQF Level 03  6 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 will enable the learner to prepare Biological specimens for pre- and post-analytical processing in the Haematology laboratory, and will provide skills and recognition within the laboratory for upward mobility as well as skills to work in other departments in the pathology laboratory. Knowledge and insight gained are essential elements for the quality needed in handling pathology specimens as well as addressing the skills shortage in the country.

On completion of this unit standard, the competent learner will be able to:
  • Process biological specimens in the receiving area of Haematology.
  • Aliquot specimens into other tubes.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory apparatus.
  • Perform various staining procedures. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 2.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Relevant prior work experience, qualifications and learning events will be recognised for this qualification, and competence will be measured against the equivalent assessment criteria. RPL will be granted in agreement with the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Range Statement: Handle implies the recording, preparing, staining, storing and discarding of biological specimens. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Receive and prepare biological specimens in the receiving area of haematology. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Types of specimens may include but are not limited to:
  • Blood, serum, plasma, bone marrow aspirates. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    On receipt, specimens are recorded according to organisational requirements and sorted according to the specified tests/analyses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Specimens are assessed for suitability and/or requirements for individual tests requested in terms of the condition of the specimen and the type of container used for collection of the specimen. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Specimens are aseptically aliquotted into additional labelled tubes according to the appropriate volumes for the tests to be performed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    On completion of testing, specimens are filed for easy retrieval for further testing to avoid compromising the state of the specimen/s. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Specimens are discarded according to safety regulations after a specified period of time, to maintain order in the laboratory. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Operate and maintain laboratory apparatus. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Apparatus includes centrifuges, thermometers, balances, pH meters, water deionisers/distillers, pipettes and glassware. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Apparatus is checked and operated in accordance with the manufacturers' specifications and laboratory standard operating procedures to ensure optimal functioning thereby ensuring accurate results. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Apparatus is cleaned and suitably marked according to the required processes to ensure optimal functioning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The consequences of non-conformance with regard to apparatus operation are explained and suggestions for corrective action are made. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Perform various staining procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Stains are prepared by using the correct quantities, ingredients and combinations of ingredients and the containers labelled accordingly for storage. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The required sequences and times for various staining procedures are explained and applied to stain slides for microscopic examination. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Stains are renewed according to quality control procedures and changes are recorded on the appropriate charts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Following acceptance by the quality controller, the old stains are discarded according to the specified protocol. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor and/or moderator with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA) or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning for this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.
  • Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any relevant accredited assessment agency, assessor or provider institution, which is also accredited by the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Basic anatomy and physiology pertaining to the site of specimen collection.
  • Relevant quality control and laboratory safety procedures.
  • Appropriate use and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
  • Policies and Procedures of the relevant organisation.

    Current legislation pertaining to the following will be applicable:
  • Occupational Health and Safety.
  • Handling or use of Human Tissue.
  • Medical, Dental and Supplementary Health Services.
  • Regulations defining the scope of the profession of Medical Technology.
  • Statutory guidelines of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) pertaining to Medical Ethics. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical thinking have been made:
  • Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community:
  • Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively:
  • Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organizing and critically evaluating information:

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Receive and prepare biological specimens in the receiving area of haematology.
  • Operate and maintain laboratory apparatus. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the mode of oral and or written persuasion:

    Refer to the following Specific Outcomes:
  • Receive and prepare biological specimens in the receiving area of haematology.
  • Perform various staining procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others:
  • Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • Refer to all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    It is strongly recommended that competency in the following Unit Standards is achieved prior to commencing learning towards this Unit Standards:
  • ID 252401: Comply with safety requirements in the medical or blood transfusion fields.
  • ID 119078: Use a GUI-based word processor to enhance a document through the use of tables and columns.
  • ID 13915: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of HIV/AIDS in a workplace and its effects on a business sub-sector, own organisation and a specific workplace.
  • ID 257201: Apply quality practice in the medical laboratory.

    Course requirements: The learner is required to be registered with the HPCSA as a Student Medical Laboratory Assistant for the duration of the period of learning.

    Matrix of credits assigned:

    Activity:
  • Tutoring:
    > Lecturer; 4 Hours; 0.4 Credits.
    > Learner/self study; 7 Hours; 0.7 Credits.

    Activity:
  • Practical:
    > On job; 45 Hours; 4.5 Credits.
    > Simulation; 4 Hours; 0.4 Credits.

    Totals:
  • Total Hours: 60.
  • Total Credits: 6.

    All actions are measured against the prescribed protocols or standard operating procedures (SOP) of the organization/institution where the learner is currently employed. The prescribed protocols/SOP are written instructions relating to specific tasks. These written instructions are issued to the learner, and signed once they have been studied. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  63189   National Certificate: Medical Laboratory Assistance  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30   


    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.