National Pathology Week (NPW) is an annual celebration of pathology,
This year's theme is Pathology is vital highlighting the essential work pathologists and clinical scientists do to help patients.
In this case study, Zubiah Iqbal, Specialist Biomedical Scientist at Bolton NHS Foundation shares his insight on the vital role he plays in patient care.
Where do you work?
Microbiology, Royal Bolton Hospital, Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Why did you choose a career in healthcare science?
I chose a career in healthcare science because I always knew from a young age I wanted to help people, and I had a really keen interest in science too. Volunteering regularly at my local hospital when I was younger further helped cement my interest in wanting to work in healthcare.
Becoming a biomedical scientist was the perfect role for me as I am able to practice my love and understanding of science, specifically Microbiology, in a way where I am helping others - by aiding the diagnosis and treatment of infections and conditions in patients.
What does a typical day involve?
A typical day in Microbiology starts at 8:30am and finishes at 5pm.
We also participate in an on-call service overnight 5pm- 8:30am, which means processing urgent samples, such as CSF and joint fluids, and more, as required.
We process a wide range of specimens during the day including blood cultures, faeces, urines, routine swabs from any part of the body, genital swabs for culture and STI testing, skin, hair and nail scrapings for fungi, sputum and respiratory samples for TB, Flu, Covid, RSV, and much more.
Specimens are labelled and booked onto our electronic system. Depending on the sample type, it then goes on to the appropriate bench, and is processed accordingly. We use a wide range of identification techniques to identify bacteria, yeast, fungi and viruses including manual, light and fluorescent microscopy, culture, chromogenic culture, mass spectrometry, flow cytometry, latex agglutination tests, biochemical tests, serology, antigen testing, PCR, and referral for sequencing and WGS testing.
As well as growing and identifying bacteria, we send significant organisms for antibiotic susceptibility testing to determine whether an organism is sensitive or resistant to certain antibiotics. This can determine the treatment a patient is given.
There is also opportunity to get involved in verifications of new analysers and machines in the laboratory.
How does your job impact on patient health?
I believe we have a great impact on patient health. Although our role is not patient facing, the testing and analysis we carry out affects the management, diagnosis and treatment of patients. Clinicians may change treatment regimes / start antibiotics based on which microorganisms the laboratory has identified and look at whether organisms are sensitive or resistant to antibiotics.
What has been your biggest achievement so far?
My biggest achievement has been becoming a Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Microbiology, and expanding my knowledge in this area.
I’m also currently in the process of becoming a STEM ambassador because I want to help empower, and inspire the future generations into thinking of starting a career in STEM, and specifically as a Biomedical Scientist.
What would you say to someone thinking about a career in healthcare science?
I would say go for it! There is an immense satisfaction knowing you’ve been involved in diagnosis and treatment and helped someone. As you gain more experience and knowledge, there is also room to progress. The role is always evolving and you’re always learning and enhancing your technical skills and knowledge to keep up to date with what’s going on in the world.