NVQ in clinical laboratory support

The BTEC National Vocational Qualification in Clinical Laboratory Support at level 2 was developed by the Science, Technology and Mathematics Council, in conjunction with the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, the NVQs will be available in the Spring of 2003.

The qualification has been developed specifically to meet the needs of staff who work in pathology and related laboratories in both the public and private sector. These staff are personally at risk in areas of health and safety.

The new qualification comprises of five mandatory and a choice of two from six optional units. One of the optional units has been imported from the Customer Service level 2 NVQ to reflect the requirements of some aspects of the laboratory work.

The qualification is suitable for those working as Medical Laboratory Assistants in:

• Pathology laboratories
• Educational laboratories
• Pharmaceutical laboratories
• Veterinary laboratories
• Police laboratories

The qualification is also considered suitable for the many phlebotomists working within the National Health Service, the Health Protection Agency and the National Blood Authority.

Endorsement
The Institute of Biomedical Science, the Department of Health, the National Blood Authority and the Health Protection Agency recognise the value of this new NVQ. To make the NVQ available to your staff you will need to seek approval from Edexcel to become an Assessment centre.

Structure of the Clinical Laboratory Support NVQ Level 2

Mandatory Units

Maintain healthy and safety in the working environment
Maintain effective work and working relationships
Maintain laboratory information and communications
Receive, sort, store and transport specimens
Assist with the preparation of specimens

Optional Units - 2 units from the following must be achieved

Prepare solutions for use in the laboratory
Store, maintain and supply working stocks of reagents and consumables
Assist with the routine maintenance and use of clinical laboratory equipment
Perform manual laboratory techniques
Assist with the processing of specimens using automated laboratory techniques

Give customers a positive impression of yourself and your organisation (from Customer Service level 2 NVQ)

Application forms for this new NVQ can be obtained from the Approvals team on 0207 758 6874.