Final answer:
Phlebotomists are not allowed to suction or pipette materials by mouth due to the risk of infection and the requirement for sterility in medical and laboratory environments.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phlebotomist, a professional trained in drawing blood, is never allowed to suction or pipette materials by mouth as this poses significant risks of infection and exposure to hazardous materials. In the medical and laboratory setting, all materials such as pipettes and the media are required to be sterile, and direct contact with hands, skin, or lab surfaces must be avoided to maintain this sterility. Modern laboratory practices include the use of mechanical pipetting tools to ensure safety and accuracy. The use of the mouth for suctioning or pipetting is considered unsafe and unhygienic in a medical laboratory setting. Phlebotomists are trained to use proper equipment, such as sterile pipettes and suction devices, to ensure the safety and accuracy of their work.