Final answer:
Medical assistants usually do not perform arterial punctures, which are typically conducted by phlebotomists with specialized training. Venipuncture and skin punctures are within the scope of practice for medical assistants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Medical assistants, as part of their training, are qualified to perform certain types of blood draws; however, there are limitations. They often conduct venipuncture, which is the collection of blood from a vein, typically in the arm, and skin punctures, such as a capillary stick on a finger, earlobe or infant's heel, when only a small quantity of blood is needed for the test. However, medical assistants typically do not perform arterial punctures, which involve drawing blood from an artery and are more complex. This procedure is usually done to analyze blood gases and may require more specialized training that medical assistants do not typically receive.
Phlebotomists, on the other hand, are healthcare professionals specifically trained in performing all three types of procedures: venipuncture, skin punctures, and arterial sticks. Phlebotomists are certified by organizations such as the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians and may work in medical or clinical laboratories along with medical technologists who hold a bachelor's degree and provide essential tests on various body fluids, including blood.