Measure and record individuals’ body fluid output

​This standard covers the measurement **of body fluid outputs (blood, urine and gastric aspirate) and wound drainage or irrigation as delegated by the registered practitioner. This standard does not cover autologous transfusion systems.

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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. 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
6. respect the individual's rights and wishes relating to their consent, privacy, beliefs, and dignity
7. measure individuals' body fluid output accurately using the method of measuring at specified time(s) according to the plan of care, or as directed by the registered practitioner
8. correctly dispose of single use equipment following organisational policy and procedures
9. clean re-useable equipment after use, using correct materials, and return it to the agreed place for storage or collection
10. 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. 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. the needs of individuals and carers including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality and privacy
11. organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
12. the application of standard **precautions to measuring body fluid output and wound drainage and weighing swabs, and the potential consequences of poor practice
13. the types, purpose and function of materials and equipment needed for measuring body fluid output and wound drainage
14. the purposes of measuring individuals' body fluid output and wound drainage
15. how to get accurate fluid loss measurements whilst distinguishing between body fluids and those introduced during clinical procedures
16. the principles and methods of waste disposal, particularly hazardous waste
17. the methods and techniques for measuring blood fluid output and wound drainage
18. 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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SFHPCS6

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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, measure, record, body, fluid, output

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