Pathology flight delivers results for a healthy tomorrow

  • Published
  • By 48th Medical Support Squadron
  • Pathology flight
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  RAF Lakenheath's medical personnel are celebrating National Medical Laboratory Week, which is April 20 through April 26. 

"Simply stated, this week honors the professionals who are key members of today's health care team," said Lt. Col. Reba Harris, 48th Medical Support Squadron Pathology Flight commander. "Every day, nurses, physicians, medical providers and technicians rely on our laboratory professionals to help provide a complete picture of a patient's health." 

According to the colonel, up to 50 percent of diagnosis and treatment decisions are based on lab tests. 

"The doctors make a diagnoses based on the patients' symptoms. We confirm that diagnoses by running lab tests. We give them all the pieces so they can effectively treat our population," said Tech. Sgt. Anthony Cruz, 48th MDSS Pathology Flight laboratory technician. "It's critical we do the best we can so the doctors and nurses get the most accurate information possible." 

The pathology flight, which is the official name of the laboratory, is made up of two elements: clinical laboratory and anatomic/histopathology. The clinical laboratory consists of seven areas, hematology, microbiology, biochemistry, blood bank/transfusion services, serology, coagulation therapy and clinical urinalysis. 

The anatomic pathology lab is the place where all tissue diagnoses are made. Every biopsy specimen is examined grossly and under microscope by a pathologist, who evaluates it for cancer or other signs of disease. 

On an average day, more than 150 people have their blood drawn in the clinical laboratory. These samples result in more than 11,000 tests performed monthly. The lab supports anywhere from 35 to 50 births every month, as well as 195 thousand outpatient visits annually. 

The Airmen at Lakenheath's pathology flight recently earned the 2007 Air Force Medical Service Team of the Year award. 

"The dedication and skill of our team helps to unlock important medical information that is pivotal to the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease in our warriors, family members and beneficiaries," said Colonel Harris. 

For more information on National Medical Laboratory Week and what the pathology flight at RAF Lakenheath does for its patients, stop by the laboratory and view several displays created by the lab Airmen.