Competency information
Details
Receive, process and store common bacteriological specimens, including blood cultures, wound swabs, urine, faeces, respiratory specimens, genital specimens and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Considerations
- Minimum data set required for identification of samples and the importance of ensuring that this is complete and correct.
- Factors affecting sample integrity and appropriate corrective action.
- Procedures for handling samples which may contain category 2, 3 and 4 pathogens.
- Types and implications of hazards and risks associated with handling of specimens and relevant control measures.
- The quality management process that ensures the correct location and storage of documentation and specimens at each stage of the process.
- Infection risk from blood samples.
- Safe laboratory practices, including principles of decontamination of equipment and work areas.
- Quality assurance procedures and their application.
- Local and national health and safety policies and procedures and their application.
- Relevant records, their importance and how to complete these correctly.
- The procedures for assuring confidentiality of patient information.
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 1 | Outcome Interpret routine requests for bacteriology investigations in the correct clinical context and process the specimens that accompany those requests. |
| # 5 | Outcome Use laboratory IT systems for handling, processing and storage of patient data. |