It’s now time to learn of what is possibly the most mission critical and time critical endeavour Whiteknights have the privilege of undertaking.
We’re delighted to introduce Dr Hemant Kulkami, Respiratory Consultant at Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust who runs a specialist monthly PCD clinic.Each month, Whiteknights urgently transport Nasal Brush Biopsy samples from Sheffield to Leicester University for the diagnosis of a rare respiratory condition.
“Children with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) have a problem with mucus build-up, which leads to infections and swelling of the airways and the ears. Ordinarily the mucus should be cleared by tiny hairs lining the airways called Cilia – but in a child with PCD this process is limited.
“In order to diagnose the condition, a sample of the Cilia are taken from the child’s nose. These samples are challenging to collect, and the procedure can be uncomfortable for the child. The samples are time sensitive and can deteriorate once taken. So its vital the samples are obtained from the patient and delivered to the lab within hours later that day.
““There are only three centres in England that can process the PCD samples. Once transported to the specialist respiratory centre at Leicester University the sample is then viewed under a microscope.”
Layla Austerberry, Respiratory Physiology Assistant, commented: “I personally think it’s great to have Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes providing this transportation service. With their experience in handling biological specimens, we know the samples will be in safe hands.”
Pictured is Dr Hemant Kulkami with Dr Elizabeth Gregson and clinical staff from the PCD Clinic at Sheffield Children’s Hospital.