Alice’s Lab Tour at Royal United Hospital Bath

After spending time in hospital for treatment for Neuroblastoma, Alice was keen to understand more about what happens to her blood samples once they leave the ward. The visit gave her the chance to see the laboratory up close and understand how different areas of pathology support her care.

Her tour began in sample reception, where Maya showed Alice how samples are booked in and tracked through the laboratory. Alice was fascinated by the pneumatic tube system and enjoyed seeing how samples are sent and received between departments. She then followed the journey of her blood through the laboratory track system and watched as samples were processed on automated analysers, including those used to generate full blood count results.

A highlight of the visit was Alice’s time in haematology, where she made her own blood film and saw what blood cells look like under the microscope. Alice also viewed samples using CellaVision, but particularly enjoyed using the microscope to examine the slide herself.

In biochemistry, Emma guided Alice through a series of simple experiments to help explain how analysers produce results. Alice learned how to pipette and even took part in a friendly challenge with her mum to see who could measure the most accurate volumes using scales.

The tour ended in transfusion, where Lexi introduced Alice to different blood products and showed her how blood grouping is performed using gel cards. Throughout the visit, Alice showed excellent curiosity and confidence, especially during the more practical activities.

Biomedical Scientist Krystyna Turek said:

Alice and her parents enjoyed the tour and it was a great opportunity for staff to show Alice what we do in Pathology.

Thank you to the RUH Bath team for such a fantastic tour.