DK9Y 04 (HSC238)
Obtain and test specimens from individuals
Elements of competence
HSC238.1
HSC238.2
Obtain specimens from individuals
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.
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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”
Unit: DK9Y 04 (HSC238) Obtain and test specimens from individuals
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DK9Y 04 (HSC238)
Obtain and test specimens from individuals
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
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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.
Unit: DK9Y 04 (HSC238) Obtain and test specimens from individuals
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DK9Y 04 (HSC238)
Obtain and test specimens from individuals
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
practice:
Legislation and organisational policy and procedures
1
A 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.
7
An in-depth knowledge of why it is essential to maintain the
individuals confidentiality.
8
A 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.
Unit: DK9Y 04 (HSC238) Obtain and test specimens from individuals
Enter Evidence
Numbers
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DK9Y 04 (HSC238)
Obtain and test specimens from individuals
You need to show that you know, understand and can apply in
practice:
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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.
Unit: DK9Y 04 (HSC238) Obtain and test specimens from individuals
Enter Evidence
Numbers
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DK9Y 04 (HSC238)
HSC238.1
Obtain and test specimens from individuals
Obtain specimens from individuals
Performance criteria
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2
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4
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7
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DO
RA
EW
Q
P
WT
You apply standard precautions for
infection control and take over
appropriate health and safety measures.
You explain the procedure to the
individual at the appropriate level and
pace, and support them to provide the
specimen themselves.
You provide the individual with the
necessary and appropriate containers.
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.
You stop the procedure if the necessary
preparations have not been followed by
the individual or staff.
You obtain specimens from clients when
they cannot do this themselves, and place
them in the appropriate container.
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.
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.
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.
You record if you are unable to obtain the
specimen and tell the appropriate member
of the care team without delay.
DO = Direct Observation
EW = Expert Witness
RA = Reflective Account
P = Product (Work)
Unit: DK9Y 04 (HSC238) Obtain and test specimens from individuals
Q = Questions
WT = Witness Testimony
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DK9Y 04 (HSC238)
HSC238.2
Obtain and test specimens from individuals
Test, record and report on specimens
Performance criteria
1
2
3
DO
RA
EW
Q
P
WT
You test specimens when required, using
the correct process for the investigation to
be performed, and according to the
specimen being tested.
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.
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
EW = Expert Witness
RA = Reflective Account
P = Product (Work)
Unit: DK9Y 04 (HSC238) Obtain and test specimens from individuals
Q = Questions
WT = Witness Testimony
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DK9Y 04 (HSC238)
Obtain and test specimens from individuals
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: ……………………………………..…………………………..
Unit: DK9Y 04 (HSC238) Obtain and test specimens from individuals
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