SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Collect blood for medical pathology or blood transfusion 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
114726  Collect blood for medical pathology or blood transfusion 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Phlebotomy Technicians 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 09 - Health Sciences and Social Services Curative Health 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 2004-08-11  2007-08-11  SAQA 0855/04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2008-08-11   2011-08-11  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
252400  Collect blood for medical pathology and blood transfusion  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is intended for learners who are required to collect venous and/or capillary blood samples from adults, children and neonates for medical pathology, blood transfusion or medical research purposes.

The unit standard excludes the collection of blood from arteries and the more complex blood collection techniques where special skills are required.

The more complex blood collection techniques which are excluded are composed of but not limited to:

Collecting blood from premature neonates, femoral veins, umbilical veins, scalp veins, the internal jugular vein and the anterior fontanelle.

Qualifying learners will be empowered through knowledge, skills and attitude to fulfil their role in the medical field thus enhancing health care delivery and economic transformation. They will also be able to progress to more advanced phlebotomy skills such as collecting blood from the radial artery.

Qualifying learners credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Correctly identify patients/clients and accurately inform them, and their guardians in the case of minors, about the procedure
  • Identify the most suitable site, method of blood collection and equipment to be used
  • Safely collect the blood
  • Prepare samples appropriately for storage or transit to processing facilities 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners accessing this unit standard will have demonstrated competency in:
  • Language and communication skills at or equivalent to NQF level 3
  • Mathematics equivalent to NQF level 3
  • Unit Standard ID 7576: Demonstrate the ability to use a database for business purposes - NQF level 3 or equivalent
  • Unit standard entitled: Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology relevant to phlebotomy - NQF level 4 or equivalent
  • Unit standard entitled: Comply with safety requirements in the medical pathology or blood transfusion fields - NQF level 4 or equivalent
  • Unit Standard ID 8600: Care for the customer - NQF level 3 or equivalent (Special note: The outcome range for Specific Outcome 3 is not applicable to phlebotomy)
  • Unit Standard entitled: Adhere to medical ethical guidelines while working in the medical laboratory or blood transfusion fields - NQF level 4 or equivalent 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The prescribed protocols referred to in this unit standard are the written instructions relating to specific tasks and procedures of the institution where the learner is currently employed. These instructions are studied and understood by the learner. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Meet pre collection requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Evidence of treating the patient/client in a professional and ethical manner is demonstrated at all times. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Patients/clients are positively identified in accordance with prescribed protocol. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Informed consent is obtained for the collection of blood according to the prescribed protocol and legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Patient/client demographics are recorded according to the prescribed protocol. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Patient/client demographics include the name, date of birth, gender, address, telephone number and account details of the patient/client.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Critical pre-collection constraints pertaining to the required sample collection are assessed and recorded according to the prescribed protocol. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Pre analytical constraints include, but are not limited to, patient/client medication which may impact upon the usage of the sample; the specific time the sample must be collected; dietary requirements preceding and during sampling, activity status of the patient/client, assessment of the suitability of the blood donor.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Prepare for blood collection. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Knowledge of the preferred and lesser-preferred collection sites, sites which may not be accessed and the possible complications associated with all these sites is demonstrated orally or in writing 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The method of collection is identified according to sample requirements and venous accessibility 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Direct or indirect venous draw, capillary collection
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Equipment suitable for the choice of site, method of collection and sample requirements is identified and assembled 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Patient/client is positioned according to the site chosen, test and safety requirements and prepared for the procedure. Assistance with positioning the patient is sought if required 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Collect the blood. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Infection control guidelines of the relevant institution are followed throughout the procedure to minimise infection and cross infection. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Hand washing, cleansing of the skin, aseptic technique, discarding of medical waste, prevention of accidental exposure to blood borne pathogens, hospital isolation and cross infection protocols.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Blood is safely collected, Corrective action is taken if the blood fails to flow or flows inadequately. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Corrective action refers to the following:

    Venous blood:
    Small adjustments to the position of the needle, release of tourniquet, allowing venous spasm to subside, trying another evacuated tube, following the prescribed protocol regarding attempting another puncture.

    Capillary blood:
    Application of gentle pressure followed by releasing of the site, holding the site downwards, keeping the site free from clotting blood, following the prescribed protocol regarding attempting another puncture.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The containers are filled with the required volume of blood and, where applicable, in the correct order of draw, Care is taken to avoid haemolysis of the sample and additive mixing requirements are adhered to according to manufacture's instructions and prescribed protocol. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    On completion of the collection, the bleeding is stopped by applying adequate pressure to the site for the required time. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The patient/client is observed throughout the procedure for any signs of adverse reaction and these signs are explained orally or in writing Corrective action is taken should a reaction occur. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Adverse reactions include but are not limited to:
    Syncope, haematoma, excessive pain, skin reaction, excessive post puncture bleeding.

    Corrective action includes but is not limited to:
    Immediate first aid response, reporting and documentation of the incident according to prescribed protocol.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Samples are labelled with patient/client details according to the prescribed protocol. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Meet and record post-blood collection requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Medical and general waste is discarded according to the prescribed protocol. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    All documentation is completed according to prescribed protocol to facilitate the progression of the sample to further processing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Samples are prepared for transit to processing facilities or storage according to the prescribed protocol. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider by the relevant ETQA
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Learners can understand and explain:
  • The safe use of phlebotomy equipment, the relevance of the additives found in the different collection containers and the storage requirements of all equipment
  • The maintenance of asepsis during blood collection
  • Factors that can influence the quality of the blood sample before, during and after collection
  • The safe handling of children and infants during the collection of blood samples
  • Possible adverse patient reactions that may occur during blood collection and how to react should they occur
  • Policies and procedures/protocols of the relevant organisation/institution
  • The section of the Child Care Act No 74 of 1983 as it applies to phlebotomy procedures
  • Risk behaviour assessment of potential blood donors
  • The measuring and recording of patient vital signs 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
  • Meet pre collection requirements
  • Prepare for blood collection
  • Collect blood
  • Meet and record post - blood collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
  • Meet pre collection requirements
  • Prepare for blood collection
  • Collect blood
  • Meet and record post - blood collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
  • Meet pre collection requirements
  • Prepare for blood collection
  • Collect blood
  • Meet and record post - blood collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
  • Meet pre collection requirements
  • Prepare for blood collection
  • Collect blood
  • Meet and record post - blood collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
  • Meet pre collection requirements
  • Prepare for blood collection
  • Collect blood
  • Meet and record post - blood collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
  • Meet pre collection requirements
  • Prepare for blood collection
  • Collect blood
  • Meet and record post - blood collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
  • Meet pre collection requirements
  • Prepare for blood collection
  • Collect blood
  • Meet and record post - blood collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
  • Meet pre collection requirements
  • Prepare for blood collection
  • Collect blood
  • Meet and record post - blood collection requirements 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 252400, which is "Collect blood for medical pathology and blood transfusion", Level 4, 15 credits.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Learners collecting blood samples must be registered with a relevant Statutory Health Council. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48732   Further Education and Training Certificate: Phlebotomy Techniques  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered"     		 2007-08-11  Was HPCSA until Last Date for Achievement 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.