Final answer:
A phlebotomist can use a capillary stick on a patient's finger for blood work if only a small quantity of blood is required. This method is used for tests where such a sample is sufficient. It is up to the phlebotomist to determine the appropriate method based on the required analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient asks the phlebotomist to please use her finger for the blood work. The phlebotomist can do this if the situation calls for only a small quantity of blood. In the field of phlebotomy, a capillary stick is usually performed on a finger, an earlobe, or the heel of an infant when small amounts of blood are needed for analysis or testing. Phlebotomists are trained to carry out this procedure properly and safely.
For standard blood tests requiring more than just a few droplets, a venipuncture is typically conducted. This involves drawing blood from a surface vein in the arm. However, if the health professional determines that a fingerstick is sufficient for the type of analysis required, they would follow the standard protocol for a capillary blood collection.
The blood collected by either method can then be sent to a medical laboratory where it may be analyzed by medical technologists or used for other medical purposes. Whether it is for a basic blood test, transfusions, donations, or research, the method must be appropriate for the volume and type of analysis necessary.