Lesley Denham, 57, from Bulphan, south Basildon is a biomedical scientist, specialising in blood transfusions. Lesley, who has been in biomedicine for 36 years, gives EMMA HOBLEY an insight into her job as deputy pathology manager at Spire Hartswood Hospital, Brentwood, where she analyses tissue, blood and fluid samples.

I treat every sample with respect...

In pathology we test for all kinds of things, including cancer, blood disorders, sexual health and genetics. This means we deal with blood, biopsy tissue and bodily fluids on a daily basis. As you’d imagine, I spend my day wearing a lab coat and protective gloves to reduce the risk of contamination and there are strict health and safety rules such as no food, drink or make-up in the lab. With100 samples coming into the lab each day, the potential for contamination is real.

I discover abnormalities and diseases...

We use three different machines to analyse samples in the lab. We run a full blood count for haematology, we use a biochemistry analyser to investigate kidney and liver functionality and we use histology to take a closer look at any tissues removed from biopsies. All the information is fed on to a computer, and it’s my job to ascertain the results of each test.

Every now and then you see something new...

I once helped diagnose a hereditary blood disease called spherocytosis, whereby the red blood cells are spherical in shape rather than biconcave discs. I can remember looking at the smear and thinking, “hang on, that’s not right!” This diagnosis led to the patient having their spleen removed, as the spleen rejects any blood cells that are not the correct shape.

I’ve never considered any other career...

I have always wanted to follow a career in science. When I first started, you couldn’t do a degree in biomedicine like you can now, so I did a biochemistry degree at the University of Kent and have developed my career towards biomedicine ever since. Before starting at Bupa, now Spire Hartswood, I spent six years at Harold Wood NHS hospital, which has sadly closed since I left.

Being on call is all part of the job...

The pathology unit is open for tests 24 hours a day, and if an urgent sample is sent in after normal hours there is always someone on call. I’ve been sitting having my hair cut before when I’ve been called in to an urgent blood test. I’ve been doing it for so many years now though that I have gotten used to it. Even when it’s 10pm and all you’re thinking about is getting ready for bed, the tests always come first.

I come home feeling like I’ve done something valuable...

Pathology is a crucial part of the diagnostics system. It uncovers abnormalities and leads to successful treatment, meaning that operations are more of a last resort. I feel like I do play an important part in other people’s wellbeing.

If I’m not in the lab, I’m watching telly...

I do enjoy spending my free time at home with Poppy, the dog, and my grown-up children, Jack and Sophie, watching telly with a glass of wine. I also like playing golf, albeit quite badly!