December 12, 2007

NEW VICE PRESIDENT FOR CORPORATE SUPPORT NAMED
David Kinsaul announced that effective January 2, 2008 Lisa Coffey will replace Bonnie Sommerville as the vice president for corporate support.  Since arriving at Dayton Children’s in 1988 Lisa has served in several important leadership positions, including director of ambulatory services.  Lisa will have responsibility for facilities, information resources, dietary and material services.  In addition, Mr. Kinsaul announced some organizational changes to the Dayton Children’s structure.  For more information contact Tom Murphy, MD, at 937-641-5871.

VACCINE STUDY
Dayton Children’s has been asked to participate in a new vaccine trial.  The study is investigating the use of a meningococcal conjugate vaccine in healthy toddlers.  The study ideally should be performed in a community practice setting.  Assistance from Dayton Children's research group will be provided to help run the trial.  Compensation is provided both to the physician, clinical investigator and to study patients.  If your practice might be interested in participating in this trial or if you need additional information, please contact either Sherman Alter, MD, at 937-641-3329 or Linda Uhl at 937-641-4467.

THE JOINT COMMISSION 
The Joint Commission and the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services want to assure that you, as physicians, are aware that you have a right to file a complaint with either agency if you feel that there are concerns with the quality of care at Dayton Children’s.  It is important that you know that there will be no retaliation from the hospital if you file a formal complaint.  We do, however, encourage you to try to resolve issues through the appropriate channels within the organization first.  You can always contact any member of senior management if you have a concern.  The following are telephone/web address contact points:

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services  The Joint Commission
Ohio Department of Health    Oakbrook, Illinois
Telephone:  1-800-342-0553    1-800-994-6610
      Website:  www.jointcommission.org

THROMBOPHILIA MUTATION DETECTION 
As of November 5, 2007, testing for the thrombophilia mutations, Factor V Leiden (R506Q) Prothrombin G20210A and Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T, will be done using the AutoGenomics INFINITI molecular diagnostic testing platform.  Additionally, a second MTHFR mutation, A1298C, will now be detected.  This platform includes a multiplex PCR to amplify all the thrombophila mutations above in a single reaction followed by automated detection by microarray hybridization after directed primer extension (DPE).

Please use the following Sunquest test codes to order these tests – THROM for the complete planel; 5FLE for Factor V Leiden; PRT for Proghrombin G20210A and MTHFRB for MTHFR C677T and A1298C.

For this assay, we require 1-3mL (0.5mL minimum) whole blood in an EDTA (purple top) tube.  Specimens will be batched and the assay performed weekly.  Results will be reported within seven days of receipt of specimen.  If you have any questions, please contact the genetics department at 937-641-3262.