Holly Freeman, Lead Biomedical Scientist in Biochemistry

Biomedical scientists in biochemistry analyse a wide variety of sample types to support clinical staff in the diagnosis and management of patients. Despite not having direct contact with patients, the laboratory is an invaluable part of the care pathway, and without accurate and reliable laboratory results, many clinical decisions could not be made.

We support healthcare professionals by providing vital diagnostic information that is not always identifiable through clinical observations alone. For example, our results can provide insight into liver disease, infection, malignancy, nutritional deficiencies, and hormonal dysfunction. We communicate urgent abnormal results so that patients can be treated as quickly as possible.

One recent achievement I am particularly proud of is the implementation of the Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE), a complex calculation that helps predict a patient’s five-year risk of developing kidney failure. We were one of the first laboratories in Yorkshire and the Humber to successfully implement this equation within our laboratory IT system. Although challenging, this advancement has enabled primary care clinicians to access the information electronically and refer patients to a kidney specialist earlier, supporting improved patient outcomes.

Looking ahead, I believe the future of pathology will involve a greater shift towards community-based services, enabling patients to access testing closer to home. Within the laboratory, technology will continue to advance, allowing us to test for more disease markers rapidly and efficiently, with an increasing emphasis on both disease prevention and treatment.