While studying biomedical science at the University of Newcastle, NSW, Michael Wiggins never thought he would find himself following a career in pathology.

“I always loved science; I was a really nerdy kid. While I was fascinated by the human body and health, I didn’t know about pathology. My degree was more research-based, however research didn’t interest me.”

But that all changed quickly for Michael, “we had one lecture in 3^rd year about pathology, and it clicked: this is what I have wanted to do all along.”

After having a lecturer explain the science to him further, Michael enrolled into a TAFE course specific to pathology.

Today, Michael works in Frankston. He is a Blood Bank Senior Scientist.

A passion for the blood bank

When asked about his career, he says “this is what I love, being in the front-line.

“Even when I was studying, the blood bank interested me the most. I loved the critical thinking and investigative side of it.

“I love taking all day to find an answer and bouncing my ideas off others. The penny-drop moment is an amazing feeling!

“From the time I walk into the lab at 7am, I am training people, assisting staff with complicated work, speaking to my manager, to the hospital staff. It’s full-on!” says Michael.

Unusual diagnoses and memorable cases

Throughout his career, Michael had some memorable experiences, despite rarely meeting patients himself.

One unusual diagnosis during his career was passenger lymphocyte syndrome after a liver transplant on a patient.

Passenger lymphocyte syndrome is when lymphocytes from donor blood form new antibodies; normally donor blood is not able to form antibodies. This may also happen after bone marrow transplants.

Michael also tells us he frequently identifies rare and exciting antibodies in blood samples from patients from the area, “there must be something in the water in Frankston!”.

The invisible side of healthcare

Michael has experienced the lack of public awareness of pathology firsthand, in particular friends and other people not really understanding what he does for work.

“We are an ignored science, and it’s not always glamorous, but we’re still an incredibly vital part of healthcare.

“Usually when I tell people I am a scientist, they ask what I’m researching. I then say that I work in pathology, and they think I collect blood,” says Michael.

Looking ahead: the future of pathology

Having worked in pathology for as long as he has, Michael has some sage advice for those in training.

“I tell people who I am training to be passionate and enthusiastic. And that they should constantly be learning. I would tell them to always remember that there is a patient at the end of every sample. They may not know us or what we did, but everything we do helps the patient somehow.

“Although I am a Senior Scientist, I am still learning every day and I love it,” Michael says.

The post “I love being in the front-line” says Blood Bank Senior Scientist first appeared on Know Pathology Know Healthcare.

It was a quiet Saturday afternoon in Geelong when Catherine received a call from St John of God Hospital. Due to surgical complications, two patients were bleeding out on the operating table. Surgeons urgently needed blood transfusions to save their lives.

Not long afterwards, Catherine received a second call from another local hospital – a patient was found unconscious at home in a pool of blood and brought into casualty for an emergency blood transfusion. It was a race against the clock and Catherine needed to act fast. With the help of her team, Catherine cross-matched the patients’ blood samples with available blood supplies and screened them for antibodies. The blood supplies were selected, processed and delivered in less than an hour.

The next day, Catherine was delighted to receive the news that all three patients had survived. She credits her team with the success: “Managing the blood bank is a team effort; it’s not just one person, you rely on couriers and colleagues to cope in emergencies.”

In her 26 years as a medical scientist, Catherine has experienced  blood shortages due to trauma and excessive usage, but with careful monitoring and ordering, it’s possible to keep on top of stock.

“We have a lot of interaction with the hospitals to determine how much blood is needed in the lab. If patients are undergoing complex surgeries, it’s our responsibility to order sufficient blood supplies in case of complications. It’s my duty to regularly monitor the supply and ensure that we never run out.”

Catherine reserves special praise for the Australian Red Cross who provides a vital service to pathology labs. “If there’s ever an emergency, the Australian Red Cross can deliver blood by taxi within an hour. In Australia, we’re very fortunate to have a solid infrastructure which equips us to save countless lives.”

The post Speedy cross-matching saves three lives in one afternoon first appeared on Know Pathology Know Healthcare.