Matthew’s Lab Tour at NHS Grampian

Matthew recently visited the labs at NHS Grampian for a lab tour, where he swapped being a patient for becoming a Trainee Biomedical Scientist for the day.

Acxcompanied by his mum, Matthew was introduced to Megan, Acting Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Haematology, who welcomed him into the lab for an behind the scenes look at how blood samples are processed and analysed.

Wearing his Harvey's Lab Tours lab coat and trainee ID badge, Matthew quickly got into character as he investigated the laboratory.

 

To help explain what happens to blood samples after they arrive in the lab, Megan took him through a series of interactive activities, including making his own model blood samples using coloured water and pom-poms to represent the different components of blood.

Matthew also had the opportunity to practice some laboratory techniques, look at blood cells under the microscope and meet biomedical scientists from across the department, learning how their work supports patient care every day.

By stepping into the role of a biomedical scientist, Matthew was able to see the people, processes and science behind his own healthcare, helping to build understanding and confidence in a fun and engaging way.

Reflecting on the visit, Megan said:

Hosting Matthew and his mum through Harvey's Lab Tours was a very rewarding experience I was lucky to be a part of. It was wonderful to see his curiosity grow throughout the visit, learning how blood samples are processed and exploring blood cells under the microscope.

We even got to be creative with some activities, making our own 'blood samples' using coloured pom-poms and coloured water to demonstrate the different components of blood. It was a lot of fun and helped bring science to life.

Opportunities like this really help demystify laboratory medicine, showcasing the vital role biomedical scientists play in patient care, and remind us how meaningful it is to connect patients with the science behind their treatment.

Matthew's visit is another example of how Harvey's Lab Tours helps young patients better understand their healthcare while giving biomedical scientists the opportunity to meet the people behind the samples they analyse every day.