Medical laboratory technicians: sleuths of patient care Published Aug. 8, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Eboni Reece 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The term laboratory often brings to mind images of a lone mad scientist with unruly hair surrounded by beakers, test tubes and periodic chemical explosions. Although they may not deal with potions or create the next Frankenstein, medical laboratory technicians of the 27th Special Operations Medical Support Squadron are crucial in ensuring that Air Commandos at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., are equipped to protect the nation. Medical laboratory technicians remove their Airman Battle Uniform blouses each day and exchange them for laboratory coats. After donning latex gloves and safety goggles, these Air Commandos are set to handle whatever challenges come their way, even if they cannot be seen by the naked eye. Contrary to popular belief, laboratory technicians do not spend more than 13 months of technical training just to learn how to draw a patient's blood. Their career tasks extend far beyond finding a patient's vein and collecting blood samples. "The most common misconception about the medical laboratory career field is that our patients often view laboratory technicians as just phlebotomists because individuals primarily come into the lab to get blood samples drawn," stated Airman 1st Class Christopher Hewett-Easton, 27 SOMDSS medical laboratory technician. "Not many see what happens behind our closed doors; laboratory technicians definitely do a lot behind the scenes that is an integral part of Cannon's mission." Working with urine and stool samples, bacterial microorganisms, viral specimens and blood may make those who consider themselves germaphobes or individuals that are easily squeamish feel uncomfortable, but medical laboratory technicians do all of that and more on a daily basis to assist physicians in providing the best healthcare possible to Airmen and their families. The medical laboratory at the Cannon Clinic is staffed by a team of seven active-duty service members and civilians who serve more than 4,500 military members and their families. The distinct sections of the lab include phlebotomy, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, urinalysis and coagulation. Much like a detective works diligently to solve a crime, lab technicians conduct their own investigations to either provide supporting evidence to aid in a medical provider's diagnosis or eliminate certain possibilities he or she may have considered regarding the state of a patient's health. "What I appreciate most as a medical laboratory technician is that I can look forward to doing something new every day," stated Hewett-Easton. "With every patient, you're dealing with different samples; and with each sample, a different test is required. Our daily duties are not monotonous and, in turn, they're never boring." From microscopes to hematology analyzers, medical laboratory technicians test and examine specimens using state-of-the-art equipment to aid in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases. "Yearly physicals combined with routine lab tests help to prevent disease through early detection," explained 2nd Lt. Karl Hemerlein, 27 SOMDSS medical laboratory flight commander. "Our role is to support our medical staff in the process by testing patient specimens, as well as monitoring therapeutic drug treatments and medications." In addition to traditional laboratory methods, medical laboratory technicians have the ability to support the nation's homeland security by using the Joint Biological Agent Identification and Diagnostic System. "JBAIDS is capable of testing for unknown biological agents, such as anthrax and plague, collected from environmental samples," said Hemerlein. Even the most well-trained Air Commando cannot perform to their ultimate potential if they aren't in good health. The work of Cannon's medical laboratory technicians ensures that preventable illnesses do not hinder the completion of any special operations mission. "The Air Commandos that work in the medical laboratory at Cannon epitomize what it means to be a 'quiet professional' in Air Force Special Operations Command," added Hemerlein. "They work tirelessly performing laboratory testing behind the scenes that enables our Special Operations Forces warriors to always be fit to fight."