Which of the following is a common duty for medical assistants in a clinic?

Performing routine lab tests is a common duty of medical assistants in a clinic setting. Medical assistants are often responsible for assisting with various clinical tasks, and routine lab tests are essential components of patient care. These tasks can include preparing specimens, collecting samples (such as blood or urine), and conducting basic laboratory tests or procedures. This role is crucial in helping healthcare providers assess a patient's health status and make clinical decisions.

In contrast, administering surgeries and prescribing medication are responsibilities typically reserved for physicians or specialized healthcare providers. Running a medical imaging machine is usually handled by radiologic technologists or similar professionals, who are specifically trained in imaging procedures. Therefore, performing routine lab tests aligns best with the scope of practice for medical assistants, making it the correct answer.