Mary Harvey is the Lead Biomedical Scientist at Epsom Hospital and she oversees the process of testing tissues from start to finish.
Looking at samples in plastic bottles, I am reminded of the time I had a biopsy taken from my toe, many years ago. "That type of sample would have come to us," explained Mary, "and the first thing that would happen is to take the specimen from the jar, describe it and cut it into smaller pieces. These pieces would be put in a small box and processed in a machine overnight, with the tissue passing through formalin, alcohol, xylene and finally molten wax."
Mary talked me through the process with the expertise of someone who has worked in pathology for almost 30 years. Having originally trained in haematology (the study of blood), at King's College Hospital, she came to work in Epsom in 1967 and, apart from 12 years 'off' as a full-time mother, she has worked here ever since. In 1987, Mary moved to histology because she found it more 'hands-on' than haematology.
"Using a metal mould, the wax is allowed to solidify around the tissue to form a cassette, which is the tissue encased in wax. This is then put onto a microtome.
"This is a machine that will cut extremely thin sections, not unlike the old bacon slicers they used to have in Sainsbury's many years ago! Tissue sections are cut and floated out on a hot water bath where the warm water helps to remove any wrinkles.
"The tissue sections are 'fished' from the water surface onto a glass slide and finally they are stained to help show the structure of the tissue. These are handed to the consultant pathologist to diagnose."
Every specimen and corresponding request form is bar-coded and numbered electronically, to ensure the right sample stays with the right form.
Anything taken from the body will be examined by pathologists, whether it is a tiny biopsy or an entire organ.
"Since I started, the range of tests we can do has increased dramatically", she adds. "We can now help to determine where cancer originates by testing tissue against various known antibodies."
Asked what's important for a career in pathology, Mary replies quickly, "Great attention to detail. That's absolutely vital."
Does she still enjoy the job after 29 years? "I do. You find most people who work in the NHS are sincere, caring and extremely conscientious, and I've always appreciated that. Although I do think I'm more or less ready for my retirement next year!"
Mary plans to play more tennis, and this year she played in the final of the Inter-County Championships for Surrey's over 60 team, when they beat Cheshire.
She is also looking forward to spending more time with her one-year-old grandson.
