MTEAC tests new generation of medical lab equipment for Army Modernization

Photo By Patrick Walz | Courtesy Photo - Test Players, individuals who put different technologies to the test, use the BOM on in simulated scenario at Aberdeen Proving Grounds on 28 January 2026. Courtesy photo by April Schnortz  

FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS, UNITED STATES

05.12.2026

Story by April Schnortz 

U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, MD – To ensure Soldiers have access to the most advanced medical tools available, the U.S. Army Medical Test and Evaluation Activity conducted critical operational testing on a new suite of laboratory devices to determine their effectiveness and suitability for field use from January 28-29, 2026.

Modernizing the front-line laboratory is a top priority for Soldier Health, Prevention, & Logistics. To ensure Soldiers have the most capable tools, the Army recently executed a combined testing cycle for a binocular optical microscope, or BOM, a general-purpose centrifuge laboratory, or CLGP, and a laboratory mixer, or MXL, systems. These assessments determined if the new devices meet the rigorous demands of the battlefield compared to current inventory. Conducting the operational tests and assessments simultaneously allowed the test team to leverage shared personnel and assets, ensuring a faster transition of technology to the warfighter.

Army personnel operated the equipment inside both an International Organization for Standardization shelter with commercial power and a general-purpose medium tent running on generator power, replicating the demanding environments of a deployed laboratory. The equipment tested included:

• Binocular Optical Microscope: A microscope featuring multiple magnification lenses and advanced illumination options. It supports a wide range of laboratory purposes, including general medical testing, microbiology, pathology, veterinary science, entomology, and public health.
• Centrifuge, Laboratory, General Purpose: A device used to spin blood and fluid samples at various speeds to centrifuge and prepare samples for further analysis
• Mixer, Laboratory: A device that uses a rocking motion to gently mix laboratory samples, ensuring uniform suspension and preserving the integrity of specimens for quality control

To ensure a comprehensive evaluation, 16 Soldiers and Officers from the1st Global Field Medical Laboratory, 44th Medical Brigade, Public Health Command-East, and the 4th Infantry Division served as test players. With ranks from private first class to major, the group provided a critical mix of technical and tactical perspectives. Their diverse professional backgrounds and military specialties ensured the equipment met the rigorous standards required for multi-domain operations.

MTEAC will compile a detailed review of its findings for SHPL in an operational test report. This report will be instrumental in the final decision on whether to procure the new BOM, CLGP, and MXL for widespread use, marking a key step in the Army's ongoing modernization efforts.

Aligned under the U.S. Army Medical Center of Excellence, MTEAC is the only independent operational test and evaluation agency for medical and medical-related materiel and information technology products, supporting the Army and Department of War acquisition process. To learn more about the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Activity and its mission, visit https://medcoe.army.mil/usamteac.

• Date Taken: 05.12.2026
• Date Posted: 07.06.2026 17:41
• Story ID: 564989
• Location: FORT SAM HOUSTON, TEXAS, US