Should Compulsory Licencing be Introduced for All Persons Collecting Specimens for Pathology Testing in Australia?

This issue we highlight the prevalence of pre-analytical error rates. Given the critical importance of the role, and the importance of getting it right- should all pathology specimen collections staff (phlebotomists) have to be licensed to practice in Australia?

It is compulsory in other countries- including our closest neighbour New Zealand. There is also a need to increase the profile and professional status of our collection staff in Australia. Recent changes to the drug testing standards (AS/NZS4308:2008) mean all collectors of this sample must be accredited- should this be expanded to all specimens?