Lab technician exemplifies Air Force Core Values Published April 21, 2009 ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Airman 1st Class Bridget Fitzpatrick, 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: Carney's Point, New Jersey Department: Hematology What is the function of your department? The hematology section in the laboratory is used to analyze different types of cells found in blood. What is the most common test performed in your department? A complete blood count, CBC, test, which can detect anything from a minor cold to something life threatening like leukemia. An elevated white blood cell count in a CBC indicates that the patient has an infection and that their body is trying to fight it off. These results, when promptly provided to the physician and evaluated against a patient's other lab results and symptoms, help determine the best method of treatment. As you celebrate National Medical Laboratory Professional Week, is there any recent success that you want to highlight from your department? A few months ago, the laboratory received a blood specimen with a request for a CBC. The white blood cell count on the sample was extremely high and the platelet, a type of cell that helps your blood to clot, count was very low. These are abnormal results, and the Airman performing this test immediately called in these critical results to the doctor. The rapid response enabled the physician to provide immediate treatment. This type of outstanding work is done every day for every patient. If you have someone you would like to be considered for Liberty Spotlight, please refer to the Spotlight submission page by clicking here.