If you’ve been tested for COVID-19, you may have been looked after by an LTT graduate!
A COVID-19 Collector is a trained health care worker who specialises in collecting oral and nasal swabs for testing.
A Collector will be wearing a gown, gloves, a mask over the face and glasses or an eye mask. This personal protective equipment (PPE) is one crucial way to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep the health care workers safe.
Most COVID-19 testing clinics use PCR (polymerase chain reaction) diagnostic tests. This type of test is highly accurate for detecting an active infection of COVID-19. The virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2, and it can be detected from a sample taken during a PCR test.
Getting tested might be a little uncomfortable, but the test doesn’t take very long. The Collector will use a swab which is a small plastic tube that has cotton wool on the end of it. The Collector will put this swab into your mouth and nose.
After a sample is taken, it is sent to the laboratory, and it takes several hours to generate results.
What do you need to work as a COVID-19 Collector?
Compassion and empathy
Understand the importance of infection control and use PPE
Be fit to undertake work standing for a full shift outdoors whilst wearing full PPE
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Customer service skills
If you’re interested in working as a COVID-19 Collector, you can study the HLT37215 Certificate III in Pathology Collection at our Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth or Sydney training centres. The AE218 COVID-19 Collection skill set is also available to our Western Australian students.