The eyes of surgical operations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Delano Scott
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  Diagnostic imaging is defined as the technique and process of creating visual representations of the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention. Without it, diagnosing or even treating ailments are both uneconomical and ineffectual.

Using this technique, the 374th Surgical Operations Squadron diagnostic imaging lab seeks to reveal internal structures hidden underneath skin and bones.

"We're able to safely and effectively see inside of the body," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Joyce, 374th SGCS surgical services NCO in charge of sonography. "Without us, the doctors wouldn't be able to do what they need to do in order to potentially save patients."

Joyce said imaging technicians allow doctors to effectively do their job and potentially save lives. The diagnostic imaging lab offers many different services to expose the body's internal frame and tissues, including X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography, fluoroscopy and mammography scans.

While all diagnostic imaging/radiology technicians go through diagnostic imaging school, as students, they solely learn how to perform x-rays. While fluoroscopy, utilizing X-rays to obtain real-time moving images, and CT, X-ray images taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional imagery, can be learned with on-the-job training, both ultrasound and mammography technicians require additional formalized training and a certification process. 

The diagnostic imaging lab currently has two ultrasound technicians, one mammography technician and four X-ray and CT technicians.

The technicians stay busy, according to Joyce. Although radiology is an ancillary service, it remains essential in servicing patients no matter the time of day. If a doctor requests either exam for a patient, technicians have to be able to respond within 30 minutes.

"We're one of the few places that is able to provide 24/7 coverage," Joyce said. "There's no down time."

There are only two people on the entire base capable of utilizing the ultrasound machines. Joyce admitted that the weekly split of on-call duty can get to be stressful at times.

"Our schedule can get pretty tight," said Staff Sgt. Manuel Gonzales, 374th SGCS ultrasound technician, "You have to plan ahead and coordinate with your coworkers."

Although one might assume that all X-rays and other tools that produce an accurate image would eventually prove tedious, the diagnostic imaging technicians find joy in their work.

"I enjoy the challenge," Joyce said. "Although the process might be the same, each patient is different. You have to move the transducer in different ways; the baby is not always going to cooperate so you have to maneuver the mom around; you have to figure out a way to get a better picture."

The images produced by the Airmen of the diagnostic imaging lab are crucial for the treatment and care of Airmen and families. By producing the initial map of the patients' body, technicians ensure diagnoses are accurate and potential surgeries are effective.