Which of the following best describes a medical laboratory assistant's role?

The role of a medical laboratory assistant is primarily focused on supporting laboratory operations, particularly in the collection and preparation of specimens. This encompasses tasks such as obtaining samples from patients, ensuring proper labeling and documentation, and preparing samples for analysis. The assistant acts as a vital link between patients and laboratory technicians, helping to facilitate the workflow by ensuring that specimens are ready for testing, thus contributing to accurate and timely diagnostic results.

In contrast, performing complex diagnostic tests is generally the responsibility of laboratory technologists or technicians who have specialized training and expertise in specific testing procedures. Operating radiological equipment pertains to a different field within medical imaging and is not part of a medical laboratory assistant's duties. Managing patient records is usually conducted by administrative staff or healthcare providers specialized in health information management rather than by laboratory assistants.