08/05/2026
Ever wondered what happens to a blood sample after it leaves a patient? 🔬
14-year-old Lily recently had the chance to step behind the scenes at Alder Hey and meet the biomedical scientists helping with her care through Harvey’s Lab Tours. During the visit, Lily was able to see firsthand what happens to her samples and learn more about the care, expertise and hard work that goes into helping her get better.
Harvey’s Lab Tours, led by Alder Hey’s biomedical scientists in collaboration with the Institute of Biomedical Science, give children, young people and their families a unique opportunity to go behind laboratory doors and better understand the important role laboratories play in their healthcare journey. 🧪
As part of the tour, Lily brought her own sample to the laboratory and followed its journey through several specialist areas, including microbiology, haematology, biochemistry, newborn screening, and histopathology. The experience helped her better understand how the tests she has connect directly to the treatment and care she receives at Alder Hey.
The programme, originally called Harvey’s Gang, was first set up by Malcolm Robinson, Chief Biomedical Scientist in Blood Transfusion at Worthing Hospital. It was created to give young, long-term patients the opportunity to visit pathology laboratories, helping them understand what happens to the samples taken during their many blood tests and treatments. Malcolm launched the initiative in memory of Harvey Baldwin, a seven-year-old boy who underwent treatment for leukaemia at Worthing Hospital.
For families, the tours provide a relaxed setting to ask questions and learn more about how samples are tested. These experiences can make hospital visits feel less daunting and help families feel more connected and reassured throughout their journey.
Lily’s mum Niki said: “It has been really good, it really does help children like Lily understand why they are still in the hospital. I would definitely recommend it.”
