Direct links
 

Minimum Standards for Blood Collection from Students, Staff or Others during Teaching and Research Activities - Policy 000233

The following standards, consistent with relevant State Government policy and guidelines [1], are to be observed as minimum standards for the collection of blood from students, staff or others during teaching and research activities.

1.0 Collection Area

  1. A clean area is to be provided with appropriate bench space and seat for the student.
  2. Hand washing facilities must be available.
  3. A recovery area should be available where anyone feeling faint can lie down.

2.0 Hygiene

  1. Hands should be washed before and after contact with each student.
  2. Gloves must be worn for venepuncture.
  3. Appropriate cleaning materials (gloves, paper towel, neutral detergent, contaminated waste bags) must be available in the event of a blood spill.

3.0 Disposal of Material

  1. Sharps must be disposed of immediately after use into an Australian Standard approved puncture resistant sharps' container.
  2. Arrangements should be in place for the safe disposal of contaminated waste and sharps' containers.

4.0 Approved Collectors

  1. The collection of blood may only be carried out by a registered medical practitioner, registered nurse, enrolled nurse or an appropriately trained technician.

[1] Consistent with:

  1. Schedule 1 - Infection Control Standards, Medical Practice Regulations, 1998, NSW Medical Board
  2. Infection Control Policy, Circular 2002/45, NSW Health
  3. Skin Penetration Guidelines, NSW Health, July 1999