The G.P.’s laboratory assistant is the closest collaborator of the physician. They receive the patients and help them, if necessary, to prepare themselves for the examination. They assist them, put on bandages, give injections, look after apparatus, sterilise instruments, make X-rays and do simple examinations of blood, urine and faeces in the lab. In emergencies they keep a cool head and administer first aid. In between they organise the appointments, answer the telephone and do all the administrative work.