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

Source: 1220.0 - ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, First Edition.
Note: The tasks associated with the occupation are to be used as guidance only. The tasks listing may include tasks associated with the grouping/category to which the occupation belongs.