Sisters step inside DGRI's Blood Sciences
There were smiles all round from the moment they arrived, and both girls were eager to explore the laboratory. After putting on their lab coats and becoming honorary biomedical scientists for the day, they set off to follow the journey of Alice's blood samples through Blood Sciences.
One of the best moments of the tour came when the team showed Alice her own blood cells under the microscope. Biomedical Scientist Gayle Johnstone shared:
We had a very special moment when Sue told Alice that the blood we were looking at was hers. It was quite emotional.
The sisters also had the opportunity to create and process mock blood samples using the laboratory's COBAS 612 analyser, making aliquots to take home as a reminder of their visit. Along the way, they learned how biomedical scientists use advanced technology to analyse samples and support patient care every day.
A special message arrives through the pneumatic tube system
Florence looks at a separated blood sample
Alice sees her own blood cells on the laboratory screen
The sisters prepare mock blood samples
Alice learns about plasma used in patient care
The tour also included a special visitor, Stephanie from the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, who is currently getting ready to introduce Harvey's Lab Tours in her own lab. The team at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary were delighted to use their tour to share ideas as more laboratories look to inspire young patients and families through the programme.
Reflecting on the day, Gayle said:
We had so many fun and emotional moments on the tour. As a biomedical scientist, being able to fill in the blanks about what happens to a blood sample when it comes into the lab really emphasises the importance of our job.
The visit clearly kindled a love of science in both girls. They created wonderful science themed artwork, which now takes pride of place on the laboratory's Harvey's Lab Tours noticeboard. Inspired by her experience, Florence even set up her own laboratory at home, where she has been busy collecting and analysing blood samples from her teddy bears and dolls - a biomedical scientist of the future!
A huge thank you to the team at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary for giving Alice and Florence such a memorable tour, and best of luck to Stephanie as she brings Harvey's Lab Tours to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
