The mission's in our veins

Charmayne Benally, 5th Medical Group phlebotomist, prepares to draw a blood sample from SSgt. Hollie Crawford, NCO in charge of the 5 MDG medical lab on Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 29, 2014. The Airmen and nurses in the medical lab are responsible for testing blood and urine samples to ensure base-wide health and mission sustainment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts)

The mission's in our veins

Red blood cells are seen through the lens of a microscope in the medical labs on Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 29, 2014. Blood, as well as urine, are the most common samples collected in the labs. Examined for traces of bacteria and infection, the samples are crucial to ensuring base-wide health and safety. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts)

The mission's in our veins

SSgt. Hollie Crawford, NCO in charge of the 5 MDG medical lab, examines a blood sample under a microscope on Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 29, 2014. By closely reviewing the sample, Crawford will be better able to detect any infection or bacteria found in the sample. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts)

The mission's in our veins

SSgt. Hollie Crawford, NCO in charge of the 5 MDG medical lab, prepares to draw a blood sample from a patient on Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Oct. 29, 2014. The medical labs are responsible for testing samples and relaying the results back to physicians to ensure base-wide health and safety. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts)

The mission's in our veins

Published Nov. 4, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts
Minot AIr Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Airmen from the Minot Air Force Base 5th Medical Group medical labs spend their duty hours investigating the causes of illness around base. By collecting and examining blood and urine samples, the Airmen in the labs are able to test for certain bacteria and infection -- ensuring both base-wide health and mission sustainment. (U.S. Air Force photos/Airman 1st Class Lauren Pitts)