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A pathology collector is responsible for collecting blood, urine and faeces samples, as well as swabs, from patients. The work requires high-level training, which is usually provided via a competency course followed by in-house training to help pathology collectors work in particular situations. You will be dealing with people and bodily fluids, so if either of those sound slightly gross to you, look away now. You must be competent and confident at doing all kinds of collection and using medical equipment such as syringes and swabs.

Like all medical professions, pathology collection requires a fair degree of empathy and compassion. You will also need to be aware of risks associated with different pathologies. Depending on your exact role, you may be doing collections from patients in their homes, at hospitals or in other kinds of clinics and collection centres. You will be working with and at the instruction of other medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses.

Responsibilities & Skills

You will be responsible for collecting samples. Your responsibilities will differ slightly depending on what kind of situation you work in. However, all pathology collectors must be caring, compassionate and able to carry out their work with confidence and, obviously, technical skill and accuracy. You will also be responsible for safely handling and storing samples and other medical equipment, to minimise the risk of contamination or infection. When working as part of a team, it will generally be in a fairly junior position so generally your responsibility will be to carry out your duties as instructed by supervisors, doctors or nurses.

• Pathology collectors not be squeamish as you will be dealing with bodily fluids and doing things like putting needles into veins
• You must be able to be confident and precise when working with your hands
• You must also be reliable and punctual, particularly if you are going to different sites, such as patients' homes, to do collections
• You must be able to follow procedures for storing and handling the samples exactly, to avoid contamination or anything else that might render the samples useless
• You must have excellent organisational skills and be confident reading and creating paperwork and filing systems



Required Qualifications

• Certificate III in Pathology
• Certificate IV in Pathology
• Some states require you to hold a valid Australian Drivers' Licence

Useful Links

• Pathology Collector courses information
• The role of a pathology collector