Medical assistants are permitted to perform finger sticks. Is this statement true or false?

The statement is true. Medical assistants are indeed permitted to perform finger sticks, which are commonly used for point-of-care testing such as blood glucose monitoring or obtaining samples for certain lab tests.

This is in line with the scope of practice for medical assistants, who are trained to perform basic laboratory procedures under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider. The finger stick process includes preparing the site, using a lancet correctly, obtaining the blood sample, and ensuring proper handling and labeling of specimens for testing.

The ability to perform this task is a key component of a medical assistant's training as it contributes to efficient patient care and the management of various medical conditions. The role of medical assistants is vital in outpatient settings, where quick and accurate testing can impact patient outcomes significantly.