It’s all in the genes: Genetics center’s volume triples in two years Published Nov. 26, 2008 By 81st Medical Operations Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. -- The Air Force Medical Genetics Center, located at Keesler Medical Center, offers state-of-the-art services to eligible Department of Defense patients. According to Capt. Mona Nelson, 81st Medical Operations Squadron genetics flight commander, the center "provides focused genetic services relating to patient care and counseling, provider education and laboratory testing to support health care facilities within the entire Department of Defense." The AFMG Center, the only one of its kind in the DOD, offers clinical patient evaluation and counseling, consultation services to other providers, diagnostic genetic laboratory services, cytogenetic analysis and molecular genetic studies. Captain Nelson is proud to proclaim the center is completely "back in business" following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Less than a year after the storm and in the midst of the medical center's rebuilding efforts, the AFMG Center slowly reopened its doors to its customers, one military base at a time. "We instantly became a high-volume testing facility -- more than 12,000 chromosome studies and DNA tests annually," Captain Nelson pointed out. "That's a whopping 300 percent growth in just two years. In addition, we completed clinical evaluations linking genetic abnormalities to diseases." The ultimate affirmation of its return was the College of American Pathologists' laboratory inspection during the first quarter of 2007. "The AFMG Center passed with flying colors," Captain Nelson said. "Furthermore, we regained the Department of Defense Clinical Laboratory Improvement Program accreditation. In addition, after exhaustive collaborative work with Air Force Medical Service headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Air Force surgeon general appointed the AFMG Center at Keesler the primary laboratory screening site for cystic fibrosis. "Our capabilities extend well beyond cystic fibrosis, and are again available to military treatment facilities worldwide," she continued. "From high-resolution chromosomal analysis to state-of-the-art molecular tests for (a broad variety of medical conditions), we conduct a wide range of genetic tests for referring laboratories from all branches of the military with established interoperability." She added, "At AFMG, we have unbelievable analytical instrumentation and staff with a tremendous wealth of expertise and dedication. Our goal is to be the Center of Excellence for all genetic tests in the Air Force." The facility tests for specific gene mutations not only to identify diseases already in progress, but also to detect future diseases. "This is where we can help the patient make an informed decision," said Dr. David Rigdon, a retired colonel and board-certified geneticist who srves as the center's medical director. "We offer counseling on the diagnosis and probable course of a disorder, explain how heredity contributes to the disorder, the risk of recurrence in other relatives and the options and resources available to patients allowing them to deal with the risk," Dr. Rigdon explained. "We provide information on reproductive risks, choices and testing options. Our goal is to provide patients with the information they need to make informed decisions that they're comfortable with." Individuals or couples might be referred for genetic evaluation and counseling if they have a family history of birth defects or have had a child with physical abnormalities or growth problems. Women age 35 or older or those who have had multiple unexplained pregnancy losses may also be referred. Captain Nelson observed the center currently is engaged in several major projects directed at preserving its premier status and closing the gap to becoming the Air Force's Center of Excellence for all genetic testing. The center is also currently working with the Biloxi Veterans Affairs Medical Center on a joint venture for cytogenetics testing. In addition, the center has established support agreements with various Army and Navy medical centers around the globe. The center plans to participate in the annual tri-service meeting of the Society of Armed Forces Medical Laboratory Scientists in Reno, Nev., in March. "Our staff will be there partly to put faces to our facility, but most importantly to spread the word across the military laboratory community that not only are we back, but exactly how our unique services can benefit them," Captain Nelson remarked. "There's never been a more exciting time in medicine, and it's happening right here at Keesler." DOD personnel can find more information about the AFMG Center and its current projects by logging on to the Air Force Portal, locating Keesler, then 81st Medical Operations Squadron and finally Genetics.