Lab technician exemplifies Air Force Core Values Published April 21, 2009 ROAYL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Senior Airman Milka Njenga, 48th Medical Support Squadron lab technician, was nominated for the Liberty spotlight by her chain of command because she practices the Air Force core values Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya Department: Blood Bank What is the function of the blood bank? The blood bank collects tests, processes, and stores blood and is a cornerstone of emergency and surgical medicine. What do you see as the most important function of the blood bank? Undoubtedly, it is blood transfusions. In the United States, an average of 23 million units of blood and blood components are transfused annually to patients in need. Blood transfusions are essential for saving the lives of victims of trauma, those undergoing major surgery, and for those with other causes of blood loss. Blood transfusions are also used to treat severe anemia resulting from the effects of chemotherapy, cancer, sickle cell disease, thalassemia, and various other causes. As you celebrate National Medical Laboratory Professional Week, what aspect of your department would you like to highlight? The Air Force mission to Fly, Fight, and Win the Global War on Terror depends heavily on the Armed Forces Blood Program, which gives a great deal of attention to both the safety and the maintenance of the blood supply we use daily. In particular, they monitor potential problems such as reduced numbers of blood donors and the risk of transmitted blood-borne infections. The excellence maintained by laboratory professionals in this capacity ensures that all Airmen and their families are receiving blood when needed.