Three Scientists for the Day at DGRI

In November last year, Blood Sciences introduced not one, but three young visitors for their own individual tours - Andrew and his sister Hannah, Jackson, and Freja. 

Each tour followed the full journey of a blood sample, from the moment it arrives in the lab to the point where results are produced and reported. Seeing that pathway in real time gave them a better understanding of why blood tests matter and how carefully every sample is handled.

For many young patients, having blood taken can feel stressful or worrying. Being able to see what happens behind the lab doors (and meet the biomedical science staff responsible) helps to remove some of that uncertainty. Understanding the process can make future appointments feel far less daunting.

But these tours weren’t just about watching from the sidelines, amd there was plenty of hands-on learning along the way. A penguin was sent on its own journey to paediatrics, games of eye spy helped show the lab in a new light, and emojis were spotted hidden within blood films. The young visitors were able to see a DIY blood model up close and learn how important it is to keep platelets moving.

One highlight at DGRI is the DIY blood model activity. Using everyday ingredients, the team created a visual model of blood to help explain its different components, including:

• Red-dyed Cheerios to represent red blood cells
• Cous cous for platelets
• Marshmallows for white blood cells
• Vegetable oil as plasma

It’s a simple but effective way to explain how each component plays a vital role: red cells carrying oxygen, platelets helping blood clot, white cells fighting infection, and plasma transporting important chemicals around the body.

The patients also picked up some real laboratory language along the way, learning that the small tubes attached to blood bags are called ‘pigtails’, a detail that definitely stuck. Parents joined the tours too and were just as interested by what they saw. As Gayle shared:

I love being able to answer all their questions about where their bloods go as I feel I’m filling all the blanks that they had before.

By the end of the day, each visitor headed home with their own lab coat, a goodie bag and a Harvey teddy to remind them of their time in the lab.

Most importantly, they left with something even more valuable, a clearer understanding of their healthcare and the science that supports it.

Thank you to the team at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary for continuing to build such thoughtful and engaging experiences for young patients and their families.