Natasha's Lab Tour
Natasha's Lab Tour
On 15th January 2025, Natasha and her mum, Mandy, visited University Hospital Southampton (UHS) for Natasha’s very first Harvey’s Lab Tour. Natasha, who frequently has blood tests, wanted to see where her samples go, why they’re so important, and how they help monitor her health.
Chloe, a Senior Biomedical Scientist from the Blood Transfusion department, welcomed Natasha and Mandy as they arrived with freshly collected blood samples. Chloe explained what to expect during the visit, using plush blood cell toys to represent the components of blood. Before the tour officially began, Natasha was given her very own lab coat and ID badge, ready to start her tour.
A Hands-On Tour
The tour began in Specimen Reception and Biochemistry, where Natasha met Ricky, a Senior Biomedical Scientist in Automated Biochemistry. Ricky showed her how blood samples are booked into the lab’s computer system and even let her load her biochemistry sample onto the track. He also showed Natasha how analysers work using a colour-change experiment with two test tubes, one filled with tap water containing calcium and the other with distilled water. Natasha watched as a few drops of reagent caused a dramatic change in the tap water sample.
Next, Natasha headed to Haematology to meet Steve, another Senior Biomedical Scientist. Steve had already prepared her blood sample for analysis and guided Natasha as she loaded it onto the full blood count analyser, showing her how quickly the results came through. He then showed her how to make a blood film and invited Natasha to look at her own blood cells under the microscope.
To wrap up this part of the tour, Natasha and Mandy used playdoh to create 3D models of abnormal red blood cells, learning how different shapes can relate to various health conditions.
Blood Transfusion
Back in Blood Transfusion, Chloe explained the importance of blood groups and how different components are stored. Natasha even had the chance to try a blood grouping experiment! Using laminated red cells, she learned about antigens and how reaction patterns help scientists identify blood groups.
A Reflective Finish
To end the tour, Natasha took part in an ‘emotions volcano’ activity. Using vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, washing-up liquid, and food colouring, she built an erupting volcano. Chloe explained how each ingredient symbolised different emotions Natasha might feel about her healthcare journey, and how understanding lab processes could help reduce fear or anxiety, perhaps even preventing an emotional ‘eruption’.
At the end of the tour, Natasha got her very own certificate, goody bag, and Harvey bear to take home.
Her mum, Mandy, shared her thoughts on the tour:
"Thank you so much for an absolutely fantastic tour behind the scenes in the three departments. It was incredibly insightful, and the team’s knowledge and enthusiasm made it such an enjoyable experience. We really appreciate the time and effort you all took to explain everything to us. We found it very interesting, and it gave Natasha a better understanding of where her blood goes and how the results are processed."
This is a wonderful example of how Harvey’s Lab Tours make lab processes engaging and accessible for young patients, helping to support their healthcare journey and spark an interest in biomedical science.