Pathology Collector

Overview

Extracts, collects, labels and preserves blood and other specimens from patients for laboratory analysis.

Skills

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

Tasks

• operating equipment used in diagnosing and monitoring disorders of the heart, kidneys, nervous system and hearing, and in anaesthesia
• undertaking and assisting with medical analytical procedures and assisting Anaesthetists and surgical teams
• recording the electrical activity of the heart, from which the heart rate is measured and pattern and rhythm interpreted
• taking, collecting and labelling blood, urine and other samples from patients
• preparing and staining slides and tissue sections for blood and histological examination
• performing diagnostic tests on tissues and body fluids and analysing the chemical constituents of blood, urine, faeces and tissues
• testing for diseases by looking for the presence of antibodies and the products of immune response in samples
• setting up, checking and maintaining operating theatres, anaesthetic workstations, life support machines and associated equipment
• referring prescriptions to Pharmacists and assisting in preparing medications

Alternative Titles

• Specimen Collector

Specialisations

• Blood Collector

Related Occupations

• Anaesthetic Technician
• Cardiac Technician
• Medical Laboratory Technician
• Medical Technicians Nec
• Operating Theatre Technician
• Pharmacy Technician