Medical lab workers ensure readiness and wellness behind the scenes
Senior Airman Brittany Campbell prepares urinalysis samples for testing. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. James Hodgman)
Medical laboratory professionals usually work behind the scenes, performing vital duties to ensure the health and readiness of the force. But they come front and center this week, as National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week shines a spotlight on their work and this year’s Fellowship of the Lab theme.
Across the Military Health System, medical lab professionals are involved in every aspect of health care. As the MHS devotes resources to support the COVID-19 pandemic response, lab workers are analyzing tests that detect the contagious respiratory virus.
"We're fortunate to be a vital piece to the COVID-19 pandemic response by standing up in-house testing," said Air Force Lt. Michael Moeun, chief of microbiology at David Grant USAF Medical Center laboratory at Travis Air Force Base, California. The David Grant lab supports Air Mobility Command and the Pacific Theater.
"We could not be more proud to support Team Travis and our patients," Moeun said.
Since the first reports of the new virus Dec. 31, approximately 2.5 million cases of COVID-19 have occurred globally, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Department of Defense is working closely with the Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. State Department to provide support in dealing with the outbreak.
MHS laboratory capabilities are synchronized through the Center for Laboratory Medicine Services and the Executive Secretariat, DoD Laboratory Network. Currently, COVID-19 testing is being performed at 68 Army, Navy, and Air Force facilities across the DoD.
As the virus has spread, so have testing capabilities. For example, the Army initially had nine medical centers with a large testing capacity. That's since expanded to 35 installations to provide testing locally, said Army Lt. Gen. Scott Dingle, the Army surgeon general.
Medical lab professionals are also investigating different diagnostic capabilities, Dingle said. And they're working on the development of a COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 testing is just the latest capability of MHS laboratory professionals. At Naval Medical Center San Diego, the laboratory staff of 260 performs and analyzes about 4 million medical tests annually, said Teresita Crisostomo, the lab quality assurance supervisor.
"Working in the lab every day is a surprise and unpredictable," Moeun said. "You never know what you will encounter, or how you can help a patient's treatment."
"We are behind the scenes in a patient’s care, performing hundreds of different tests," added Capt. Crystal Davis, chief of the core laboratory. "We never underestimate how important our role is, and truly believe it's the best job ever."
Added Senior Airman Jadon Smith, a core laboratory technician: "Doctors rely on us for results. We are critical to the care of a patient."Video Message from LTG Ronald J. Place, MD
Video
4/24/2020
Thank you for continuing to do your part to help flatten the curve
MHS Minute - Military Medicine: On the Front Lines of COVID-19
Video
4/24/2020
Agencies across the federal government are partnering up to combat COVID-19. Find out how the Military Health System is doing its part to support the U.S. response to this pandemic, while ensuring our Service members remain ready.
Early Detection Support for Troops During COVID-19
Article
4/23/2020
The network’s ability to integrate the priorities identified by the Combatant Commands into its mission creates an agile organization ready to respond to needs as they occur.
I Am Navy Medicine - Stopping the spread of COVID-19: Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Donald Cooney
Article
4/23/2020
Faith and a strong sense to serve his country has brought a Lebanon, Ore., native to the world of Navy Medicine.
MHS - Defending the Homeland: Proning made easy at Keesler Air Force Base
Article
4/22/2020
Departments work together on solution to ICU breathing problem
MSMR Vol. 27 No. 4 - April 2020
Report
4/22/2020
A monthly publication of the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Branch. This issue of the peer-reviewed journal contains the following articles: Commentary: The Warrior Heat- and Exertion-Related Event Collaborative and the Fort Benning Heat Center; Update: Heat illness, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2019; Update: Exertional rhabdomyolysis, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2015–2019; Update: Exertional hyponatremia, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2004–2019
DOD, VA launch Joint Health Information Exchange
Article
4/21/2020
Increased access leads to gains in patient care, outcomes
Cybersecurity critical for DoD teleworkers during pandemic
Article
4/21/2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a high-volume of DoD network users teleworking. Everyone must balance the requirements of the military health care mission with that of protecting the network, computers and mobile devices.
Modification and Reissuance of DoD Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019 -Travel Restrictions
Publication
4/20/2020
All DoD Service members will stop movement, both internationally and domestically, while this memorandum is in effect. All DoD civilian personnel, and dependents of DoD Service members and DoD civilian personnel, whose travel is Government-funded will stop movement, both internationally and domestically, while this memorandum is in effect.
Chaplains virtually bolster resiliency in the midst of COVID-19
Article
4/20/2020
.ashx?h=68&la=en&mw=120&w=120&hash=DDBD2352E890EA169BE8C49C79DDE1D1E15716AD350448EFD94B3077B60147CA)
The pandemic has charged the team to strengthen the bonds of interaction between itself and the community.
AFMES missions continue through COVID-19
Article
4/17/2020
AFMES is a resilient organization that is committed to accomplishing the mission during the global pandemic.
Uniformed Services University Adds COVID 19 Training to Curriculum
Article
4/16/2020
All of the university’s medical school Class of 2020 students completed the training prior to graduating, and the rest of the medical students have until April 15 to finish.
Mobile app may offer hope in times of distress
Article
4/16/2020
Virtual Hope Box is one mobile app solution that may help individuals cope
COVID-19 and its impact on healthcare in Europe
Article
4/15/2020
MTF staffs are working hard to meet the needs of beneficiaries across Europe
Memorandum on Providing Federal Support for Governors' Use of the National Guard to Respond to COVID-19
Publication
4/14/2020
.png)
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario