Collect Specimens for Drugs of Abuse Testing: What Changed from HLTPAT005 to HLTPAT010?
- Jessica Urquhart
- Mar 5
- 4 min read
Workplace drug and alcohol testing is common across many industries in Australia, particularly where safety-critical work is performed. Mining, construction, transport, aviation, manufacturing and healthcare all rely on reliable testing processes to ensure workers are fit for duty.
However, the integrity of any testing program relies heavily on how specimens are collected. If collection procedures are incorrect, contaminated or poorly documented, test results may become unreliable or legally indefensible.
This is why the nationally recognised unit HLTPAT005 – Collect Specimens for Drugs of Abuse Testing existed for many years as the minimum training requirement for people responsible for collecting workplace drug and alcohol test samples.
In December 2025, this unit was officially superseded and replaced with HLTPAT010 – Collect Specimens for Drugs of Abuse Testing.
For organisations running workplace testing programs, and for individuals responsible for specimen collection, it is important to understand what changed and what the transition means.
What is the HLTPAT010 Course?
HLTPAT010 is a nationally recognised unit of competency that provides the skills and knowledge required to collect specimens for drugs of abuse testing in accordance with legal and industry standards.
The course focuses on:
Confirming testing requirements
Preparing the participant and collection equipment
Conducting urine, oral fluid, or breath alcohol testing
Maintaining chain of custody documentation
Managing privacy and ethical considerations
Handling and transporting specimens correctly
Correct specimen collection is essential to ensure test results remain valid, defensible, and compliant with workplace and legal requirements.
Drug and alcohol collectors must follow strict procedures and often work under Australian Standards such as AS/NZS 4308 (urine testing), AS 4760 (oral fluid testing), and AS 3547 (breath alcohol testing).
Why Was HLTPAT005 Replaced?
Training packages are regularly updated to ensure units of competency remain aligned with:
• Current industry practices
• Updated Australian Standards
• Regulatory expectations
• Modern assessment and training frameworks
HLTPAT005 was replaced as part of broader updates to pathology collection training within the national Health Training Package.
The new unit HLTPAT010 introduces clearer requirements and updated training expectations to better reflect the environments where drug and alcohol testing now occurs, including mobile testing services and workplace programs.
Key Changes Between HLTPAT005 and HLTPAT010
While the overall purpose of the unit remains the same, several important updates were introduced.
1. Updated Performance Criteria
The newer unit includes refined performance criteria, providing clearer expectations about how specimen collection must be performed in real workplace environments. This improves consistency in training and assessment.
2. Stronger Focus on Evidence and Assessment
HLTPAT010 includes clarified performance evidence and assessment conditions, ensuring students demonstrate competency in realistic scenarios before being deemed competent. This strengthens the reliability of training outcomes.
3. Alignment With Modern Drug Testing Practices
Drug and alcohol testing has evolved significantly in recent years, particularly with:
Oral fluid testing
Portable breath alcohol testing
Mobile and onsite testing services
The updated unit reflects these modern practices and the environments where collectors operate.
4. Improved Clarity for Trainers and Assessors
The updated unit also provides clearer guidance to Registered Training Organisations about how training and assessments must be conducted. This improves national consistency across providers.
Transition Rules for HLTPAT005
When a unit of competency is superseded, transition rules apply to training organisations and learners.
Generally, these rules mean:
New enrolments must occur in the new unit (HLTPAT010) once the old unit is superseded.
Training providers must transition their courses and assessment materials.
Students who were already enrolled in HLTPAT005 may be allowed to complete their training during the official transition period.
After the transition period ends, the superseded unit is removed from delivery and replaced entirely by the new unit.
For employers and workers seeking training now, this means HLTPAT010 is the current recognised unit for specimen collection training.
Who Should Complete This Course?
The HLTPAT010 course is designed for anyone responsible for collecting specimens for workplace drug and alcohol testing.
Common roles include:
Drug and alcohol collectors
Safety and WHS professionals
Occupational health staff
Workplace testing officers
Security personnel responsible for testing programs
Contractors operating mobile testing services
Many organisations also train supervisors or site safety personnel so they can conduct internal testing programs.
Why Proper Training Matters
Drug and alcohol testing can have serious legal and employment consequences.
If specimen collection is not conducted correctly, organisations may face:
Disputed test results
Unfair dismissal claims
Privacy breaches
Non-compliance with Australian Standards
Damage to the credibility of the testing program
Training ensures collectors understand privacy, chain of custody, specimen integrity, and ethical considerations, which are essential for defensible testing.
Drug and Alcohol Specimen Collection Training in Dubbo
At Orana Skills Centre in Dubbo, we deliver the nationally recognised unit HLTPAT010 – Collect Specimens for Drugs of Abuse Testing.
Training is available:
At our Dubbo training facility, or
On-site at your workplace for groups of six or more participants
This practical course is ideal for organisations that conduct workplace drug and alcohol testing and want to ensure their collectors are properly trained and compliant with current standards.
Participants gain hands-on experience in specimen collection procedures, chain of custody documentation, and managing real-world testing scenarios.
If your organisation conducts drug and alcohol testing, ensuring collectors hold the current nationally recognised qualification is essential.
Before you implement or expand your workplace testing program, consider whether your collectors are trained in the latest unit HLTPAT010.
You can view our course brochure and upcoming Dubbo training dates below or contact us on 1800 231 173 to discuss onsite training for your team.
HLTPAT010 Collect Specimens for Drugs of Abuse Testing is delivered and assessed on behalf of METEX Solutions Pty Ltd RTO 46448
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