Advanced Blood Testing Equipment Anticipated to Greatly Assist Children Undergoing Cancer Treatment

Doctors and families have indicated that blood sampling machines would “make a huge difference” for children receiving cancer treatment. Emily’s Gift, an appeal dedicated to supporting children with cancer in Gloucestershire, aims to collect £40,000 to acquire two such machines. These devices are capable of processing blood samples and delivering results within 45 seconds, a significant reduction from the current waiting period of several hours. Nickee Susan, whose son Victor underwent two years of treatment for Leukaemia, described the speed of the machines as “genuinely mind-blowing.” She noted that the technology would help alleviate anxiety for families who frequently spend extended periods “loitering in hospital” awaiting results. Ms. Susan further emphasized its importance, stating, “On a really practical level, it’s essential.” Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Ms. Susan recounted that Victor received his diagnosis in June 2022. She expressed, “You hit this incredibly complicated world very quickly. I had no idea that leukaemia treatment was going to go on for two years.” She elaborated that during the treatment period, “you have absolutely no idea what each day is going to bring for you.” She added that “so much of cancer treatment is dictated around the blood results, which can take hours to come back.” Ms. Susan highlighted the challenge of having a young child: “you’re desperately trying to explain what the day might look like.” She reiterated her astonishment at the machine’s efficiency, stating, “Having a machine that is able to do it in 45 seconds, it’s genuinely mind-blowing.” She recalled an instance when her son utilized the machine, and she initially doubted the rapid return of results, suspecting the nurses might have mixed them up with another patient’s. “I was saying, ‘oh no, no, you’ve only taken his blood three minutes ago’,” she quoted herself. The immediate results allowed her to plan the remainder of the day, stating, “Straight away I knew what we were doing for the rest of the day. I was able to explain to Victor how things were going to pan out.” Ms. Susan explained that the machines would enable parents to “organise your life slightly better and slightly more whilst you’re on treatment,” including managing daily tasks such as collecting other children from school. Dr. Chrissie Parfitt, a Consultant Paediatrician specializing in Paediatric Oncology at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, commented: “For us to be able to make those clinical decisions quickly will aid things hugely.” She added that “part of our drive is to get families back out in the community… rather than spending the time in hospital unnecessarily.” Dr. Parfitt concluded that the machines would make “a huge difference” for families. The appeal hopes to raise the necessary funds at the Emily’s Gift Coronation Ball, scheduled for 1 February. Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.