RADHIKA Patel, 23, joined the pathology team at Salisbury District Hospital in 2014 after graduating in biomedical science.

Always interested in science at school, Radhika ended up taking three A-levels in Chemistry, Biology and Maths.

“I was better at science than the arts and humanities and I wanted to help people within the medical field but didn’t want to have the patient interaction,” she said. “I wanted to work in the background but still have a significant impact on the patient.”

“I came across the degree when looking at science-based degrees and it interested me the most.”

Graduating from the University of Hertfordshire, she is now a biomedical scientist within the haematology department.

“Throughout the morning we receive samples from the wards, outpatient clinics, GP surgeries and community hospitals," she said. "Requested tests are carried out and results are analysed by a scientist and then reported.

“We also receive a vast number of samples from surrounding GP surgeries and community hospitals, the majority of these arrive throughout the afternoon via courier service.

“Routine tests include full blood counts and coagulation screens. We monitor a large number of patients on Warfarin as they require regular blood tests to determine their dosage.

“The full blood count requires the sample to be put onto the analyser which then measures a number of parameters such as the number red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and haemoglobin concentration.

"Blood films are often prepared and looked at under the microscope to assess the morphology of the cells in order to aid in the diagnosis.

“Coagulation screens require the sample to be centrifuged to separate the red cells from the plasma, as the plasma is tested and not whole blood.

“I am really interested in the disease process and it’s fascinating to be able to tell what’s wrong with a patient just from a blood sample which then aids their improvement. It’s nice to be able to help people.”

Future career opportunities for Radhika involve becoming a consultant specialist scientist in haematology and blood transfusion.