Final answer:
If a needleless blood transfer device is not available, a phlebotomist should use a traditional needle and syringe to fill the tubes as postponement or seeking assistance doesn't address the immediate need for blood collection.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a needleless blood transfer device is not available, the phlebotomist should fill the tubes by: a) Using a traditional needle and syringe. This is because alternative non-invasive methods may not provide the required quantity or quality of blood for analysis, and postponing the blood collection could be detrimental in time-sensitive situations or critical patient care. Moreover, seeking assistance from another healthcare professional does not solve the issue of the unavailability of the needleless device.