NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 135 — 10 DECEMBER 2015

and demonstrated competency). This is with the exception of scientists practising embryology: Due to the specialised nature of embryology-related qualifications, scientists practising in that discipline will typically have their practice limited to embryology.

Medical Laboratory Scientists who hold full registration are able to practise without supervision.

Medical Laboratory Scientists with full registration are responsible for directing the work of Medical Laboratory Technicians and Medical Laboratory Pre-Analytical Technicians. They may also be required to supervise medical laboratory science practitioners (all scopes of practice) throughout the latter’s period of provisional registration.

Medical Laboratory Technician (Provisional Registration)

Medical Laboratory Technicians (“technicians”) collect, receive, prepare, test and analyse human biological material to support patient diagnosis, management and treatment. Technicians select appropriate samples and prepare those for analysis using the appropriate laboratory equipment and testing protocols. While technicians may analyse and interpret laboratory results, they work within approved guidelines and protocols. Departures from defined parameters are to be referred to Medical Laboratory Scientists or other appropriately qualified and registered health practitioners prior to their release to referring clinicians. Technicians training includes a general overview of the practice of medical laboratory science and they are qualified to practise in a particular discipline.

Provisional registration is applied when a practitioner has appropriate qualifications but lacks the required relevant New Zealand experience to practise as a Medical Laboratory Technician. Technicians who hold provisional registration are required to complete a period of supervised practice during which time they gain work-based knowledge and experience (including laboratory equipment and protocols). The period of supervised practice for each applicant is determined by the Council and will be no less than three months and no greater than two years. Supervision is provided by an approved registered Medical Laboratory Scientist who holds a current practising certificate and has expertise and knowledge within the relevant discipline. Technicians practising in the mortuary discipline must be supervised by a registered pathologist (who holds a current practising certificate).

Medical Laboratory Technician (Full Registration)

Medical Laboratory Technicians collect, receive, prepare, test and analyse human biological material to support patient diagnosis, management and treatment. Technicians select appropriate samples and prepare those for analysis using the appropriate laboratory equipment and testing protocols. While technicians may analyse and interpret laboratory results, they work within approved guidelines and protocols. Departures from defined parameters are to be referred to Medical Laboratory Scientists or other appropriately qualified and registered health practitioners prior to their release to referring clinicians. Technicians training includes a general overview of the practice of medical laboratory science and they are qualified to practise in a particular discipline.

Medical Laboratory Technicians who hold full registration can practise under the direction of a registered Medical Laboratory Scientist or other appropriately qualified and registered health practitioner who holds a current practising certificate and has expertise and knowledge in the relevant discipline. Within the parameters of "working under direction", the technician takes full responsibility for his/her practice, with general oversight by the Medical Laboratory Scientist/other health practitioner providing direction who must be available for consultation if the technician needs assistance. The Medical Laboratory Scientist/other health practitioner providing direction must conduct periodic reviews of the technician’s practice.

Medical Laboratory Pre-Analytical Technician (Provisional Registration)

Medical Laboratory Pre-Analytical Technicians (“pre-analytical technicians”) practise in the areas of laboratory specimen collection (commonly referred to as phlebotomy), laboratory specimen preparation (commonly referred to as specimen services), and donor technology.

Pre-Analytical Technicians may practise under a number of workplace titles including but not limited to: Phlebotomist, Donor Technician, and Specimen Services Technician. The scope of practice of Medical Laboratory Pre-Analytical Technician (Provisional Registration) is inclusive of these workplace titles.

The practice of specimen collection involves pathology laboratory specimen collection by following established procedures. Specimen collection includes collection of blood, non-blood specimens, and some specialised tests and procedures performed at the point of contact with patients.

The practice of laboratory specimen preparation involves the receipt and preparation of samples prior to laboratory testing.

The practice of donor technology involves the collection of blood and blood component donations from blood donors within the New Zealand Blood Service.

Pre-Analytical Technicians can practise within either a single or a combination of all three areas of specimen collection, laboratory specimen preparation and donor technology, following successful completion of on-the-job training.