Introducing Abigail – our newest Junior Biomedical Scientist graduate!

It was such a special experience. Abigail loved her tour so much. She's thinking of working in a lab when she's older!

Alissa, Abigail's Mum

We recently had the pleasure of welcoming six year old Abigail and her Mum to the Blood Sciences and Transfusion Laboratories at Cambridge University Hospital.

Abigail first got kitted out in her Harvey’s Gang Lab coat and ID badge before embarking on her tour, following the route her blood samples might take.

Our journey started in specimen reception where we explored different types of samples and the ways we can receive samples to the Lab. We then visited the Blood Sciences Laboratory where Ruby from Biochemistry explained the route samples can take around our track system before taking a look at a Siemens Atellica analyser. Gemma from Haematology showed Abigail the different components which make up our blood before taking her through to the morphology suite.

Here, Rod showed Abigail some unusual blood films down the microscope, including sickle cells and even one which contained a worm! I think this was Abigail’s favourite part – she was completely un-phased by the worm!

Finally we visited the Transfusion Laboratory where Abigail was shown the fridges containing the blood products and the blood grouping machines. She instantly spotted the penguin mascots lined up along the instruments and was keen for a photo opportunity with Olivia (Abigail’s doll).

The visit from Abigail and her Mum brought a smile to so many faces as we toured the Lab and was a welcome reminder of the patients and families at the other end of each samples. It was a real pleasure showing what we get up to the in Lab and I hope we’ve convinced Abigail being a Scientist is a great career choice in the future!

Georgette Glover, Senior Biomedical Scientist