Collect samples that support diagnosis and treatment.

As a Nursing and Pathology professional, you collect blood and other samples from patients for laboratory testing. These tests help diagnose illnesses, monitor health conditions and inform treatments. It’s a role that requires precision and a calm approach especially when working with patients who may be anxious or unwell.

As a Nursing and Pathology professional, you’ll explain procedures to patients, collect samples safely and label them correctly. You’ll also maintain records and follow hygiene and safety protocols.

There are no specific education requirements necessary to become a pathology specimen collector, however, it is recommended that you complete some training in phlebotomy. A sound basis of verbal and written English is also required. A medical or laboratory technician background would be advantageous.

TAFE SA offers Certificate III in Pathology that may assist you in gaining entry into this occupation:

At present there is not a high demand for pathology specimen collectors, however, this is an occupation noted for its transient nature. A higher number of job openings arise from time to time.

Once a sample is taken it is labelled immediately in front of the patient and then placed in a hazards bag or biological rack. This helps to prevent any mixing up of samples. Details surrounding the sample must also be recorded on the doctor's request form and on the collector's stat sheet. The sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. At laboratories, samples undergo centrifugation. They are spun at a very high speed, and the resulting force helps separate the different components of various samples, assisting with diagnosis. The sample results are bar-coded with a laboratory number.

Pathology specimen collectors also:
Explain specimen collection methods and procedures to patients.
Examine patients and check their veins (mostly in the arm region).
Determine the type of equipment to be used to collect samples.
Assemble equipment such as needles, disposable specimen containers, tourniquet, gauze, cotton and alcohol according to specific procedures.
Monitor inventory and order supplies.
Take capillary blood samples from fingers and heels.
Disinfect work area and equipment.
Maintain records or a database of activities such as the number of patients seen, the type and number of specimens obtained, the type and number of specimens received and test results.
Monitor inventory and order supplies.

Pathology specimen collectors need to know about the anatomy of the arm as well as blood-taking techniques. This includes knowing how to use hypodermic needles to collect blood samples and how to collect blood correctly so that the specimen is not damaged. They must be trained and confident in the use of equipment such as hypodermic needles, syringes and collection tubes. People with a medical work background are particularly well suited to this occupation as are people who have worked in a laboratory.

Depending on the type of organisation they work for, pathology specimen collectors may have to travel to collect samples (this is referred to as a domiciliary service). They may travel to nursing homes or outpatient clinics to collect samples. In the metropolitan area, pathology specimen collectors are employed by private pathology laboratories, at some clinics.

On a personal level people able to handle stressful situations diplomatically, are well suited to this occupation. Pathology specimen collectors treat patients who may be unwell or who dislike needles (best if the pathology specimen collector is not squeamish themselves), so it is a bonus if they are able to put these types of patients at ease. This is an occupation that requires a high level of responsibility and up and coming pathology specimen collectors must be able to follow methods and procedures. A sound awareness of safety and hygiene and a general medical knowledge are also very beneficial in this occupation.

For further information:

SA Pathology
Phone:?(08) 8222 3000, Free call:?1800 188 077
Fax:?(08) 8222 3538
Email:?HelloSAPathology@sa.gov.au
Website: www.sapathology.sa.gov.au