Receive and handle clinical specimens within the sterile field

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This standard covers receiving clinical specimens collected during operative procedures.

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

You will be working in a 'scrubbed' role whilst undertaking these activities.

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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. confirm the clinician's requirements for the type of clinical specimen to be collected and that relevant consent has been obtained
6. ensure the correct transport medium and container are available for the type of specimen being collected
7. receive and handle the specimen correctly and safely in line with organisational policies and procedures
8. label the specimen correctly and clearly with all relevant information, as directed by the relevant practitioner
9. promptly clarify any uncertainty over requirements for handling and dispatch with a relevant practitioner
10. dispatch the specimen at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner to the correct destination for investigation
11. 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. evidence-based practice and its role in improving care
9. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
10. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
11. the types and action of pathogens specific to the individual, wound infection and potential contamination of clinical specimens
12. the potential consequences of contamination of the clinical specimen

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

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

14. specific requirements for handling and transporting different specimen types in order that they arrive in a suitable condition for investigation

15. the potential hazards and consequences related to incorrect labelling or dispatch of specimens
16. special requirements relating to handling frozen sections, and the practitioner's role in dealing with such specimens
17. the practitioner's role in monitoring, reporting and recording information relating to clinical specimens and how this links to other members of the care team
18. the role of diagnostic support services in relation to clinical specimens
19. the importance of recording information relating to clinical specimens
20. 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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SFHPCS17

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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, clinical, specimens, sterile

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