Obtain and test specimens from individuals

This standard covers obtaining specimens, testing some specimens in the work area, and forwarding some specimens for laboratory investigation.

Collection of blood specimens is not included. 

---

1. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
   
2. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
3. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
4. communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual's understanding, preferences and needs
5. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs and dignity
6. provide support to the individual and ensure health and safety measures are implemented at all times
7. gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with organisational procedures
8. check the required preparations have been completed and stop the procedure if the necessary preparations have not been followed by the individual or staff
9. provide the necessary and appropriate container for the specimen to the individual
10. obtain specimens from individuals when they cannot do this themselves, and place the specimens in the appropriate container
11. ensure specimens are collected in the correct order
12. label specimens correctly, attach the relevant documentation, place in the relevant biohazard bags, and put them in the correct place for storage, collection or transportation
13. record any problems in obtaining the specimen to the appropriate member of the team without delay
14. test specimens using the correct process according to the specimen being tested
15. reassure and inform the individual of the results of the tests according to their needs or pass this on to other relevant staff members in accordance with organisational procedures
16. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

---

1. ​the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
3. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
4. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
5. the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
6. the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
7. how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual 
8. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
11. why it is essential to check the identity of the individual
12. the required preparation for individuals prior to the type of specimen collection
13. the importance of giving clear explanations to individuals to enable them to collect their own specimens when appropriate
14. the adverse effects that may occur and how to respond to them
15. the materials and equipment required for collecting the specimen and the types of specimens that you may obtain
16. the different types of container, transport media and request forms for specimens appropriate to the specimen and planned test procedure
17. the information that is required to ensure accurate labelling of specimens and the potential hazards and other consequences related to incorrect labelling or dispatch of specimens
18. the tests and investigations that may be carried out on the specimens you obtain
19. the implications the results of the tests will have on the individual
20. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

3

---

2026

---

Current

---

Original

---

Skills for Health

---

SFHCHS7

---

Health and Social Care, Health and Social Services Officers, Health Associate Professionals, Health Professionals, Health, Public Services and Care, Healthcare and Related Personal Services

---

2259

---

urine, faeces, sputum, exudates, saliva, breath, aspirates, semen, skin scraping, unique, identifier, histology, haematology, microbiology, cytology

---