Carry out delegated activities in receiving, handling and dispatching clinical specimens

This standard covers carrying out activities involving clinical specimens that have been delegated to you by a registered scrubbed practitioner.

This involves receiving the specimen from the scrubbed practitioner and ensuring it is placed into the correct type of transport container/media. It also involves correctly labelling the container and dispatching the specimen for processing. You will need to ensure your activities do not compromise the sterile field.

The specimen may be required for investigation, diagnosis, autologous donation or transplant purposes.

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1. access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
2. work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
3. deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
4. identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
5. use the correct transport medium and container as directed by the relevant practitioner
6. receive and handle the specimen correctly and safely in line with organisational policies and procedures
7. label the specimen correctly and clearly with all relevant information, as directed by the relevant practitioner
8. promptly clarify any uncertainty over requirements for handling and dispatch with a relevant practitioner
9. dispatch the specimen at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner to the correct destination for investigation
10. ensure that your position and movements do not compromise the sterile field
11. take appropriate action without delay if there is any breakdown of the sterile field
12. complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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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. the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
8. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
9. the principles of asepsis in relation to the maintenance of the sterile field

10. the different types of container and transport media for specimens for:

    • histology
    • haematology
    • microbiology
    • cytology
    • biochemistry
    • autologous donation
    • transplant
      

11. ways in which the sterile field can be compromised by those working outside it, and how this can be avoided

12. the specific requirements for handling and transporting different types of specimens in order that they arrive in a suitable condition for investigation
13. the potential hazards and other consequences related to incorrect labelling or dispatch of specimens
14. the special requirements relating to handling frozen sections, and the circulating role in dealing with such specimens
15. where and how to record information on specimens
16. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements

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2

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2026

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Current

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Original

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Skills for Health

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SFHPCS10

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

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2259

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Perioperative, care, receive, handle, dispatch, clinical, specimens

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