Final answer:
When drawing blood from a patient in the presence of clergy, first ask the patient's permission and respect their wishes for privacy. Phlebotomists, trained in blood collection, should be sensitive to the patient's emotional and spiritual needs while performing venipuncture or capillary sticks.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the need arises to draw blood from a patient while a member of the clergy is present with them, it's essential to respect both the patient's and the clergy's presence. Firstly, ask the patient for permission to perform the procedure in the presence of their spiritual counselor. If the patient prefers privacy, arrange for the clergy to step out and ensure patient comfort and confidentiality during the phlebotomy procedure.
Phlebotomists, the professionals trained to draw blood, utilize various techniques such as venipuncture, capillary sticks, and arterial sticks, depending on the amount and type of blood required for testing. It's crucial to conduct these procedures with respect to the patient's emotional and spiritual needs, especially when sensitive circumstances arise, such as the presence of a religious figure.
For venipuncture, phlebotomists typically access a surface vein in the arm. In scenarios where only a small amount of blood is needed, like for certain diagnostic tests, a capillary stick might be used. Proper patient care and procedure are paramount to the roles of phlebotomists and medical technologists in clinical laboratory settings.