New endocrinologist to join in May
Yelena Nicholson, DO, will join Dayton Children's department of endocrinology on May 1, 2010. Dr. Nicholson joins us from pediatric endocrinology division at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. She is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology, and has special interest in diabetes and diabetes technology.

News from the lab... 

New virology PCR
A PCR for Toxin Producing Clostridium difficile is now available. The name of the test is "CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE BY PCR," test code: PCRCD. This new C. difficile PCR assay is a rapid, automated, in vitro diagnostic test for qualitative detection of toxin producing C. difficile directly from stool specimens of patients suspected of having infection. The assay detects the DNA in the bacteria responsible for producing the toxin. The test will be done daily and for specimens received before 2:00 pm, results will be available same day. Orders for the current C. difficile Cytotoxin test will be re-ordered for PCR. For questions or lab courier information, contact Lisa Henderson.

Microarray analysis
We are pleased to announce that starting April 1, the genetics laboratory is now performing microarray analysis. As always, the lab is also able to perform chromosome analysis. More information on medical genetics.

BMP testing starts in Kettering and Vandalia
The Outpatient Testing Centers in Kettering and Vandalia are now testing for Basic Metabolic Profiles using an Abbott I-Stat Analyzer. The centers now perform STAT and routine BMP testing at these locations.  An Ionized calcium will be receive with test results. For more information, contact Barb Wildermuth at 937-641-7709.
Note: The centers will not be able to run individual analytes or any other chemistry profiles at this time.

Congratulations to...

• Victor Nanagas, Jr, MD, who was awarded the Wallace B. Taggart award on March 12
• Emmett Broxson, Jr, MD, Maria Nanagas, MD, and Joseph Ross, MD, awarded the first ever Distinguished Service awards
• Arthur Pickoff, MD, who was awarded the Community At Heart award from the American Heart Association

Pediatric experts contributing to medical publications
Four of Dayton Children's pediatric experts have recently contributed to national medical journals and textbooks. Read more about their contributions.

Central scheduling expanding hours
Starting April 5, central scheduling has expanded evening hours until 7:00 pm. Later hours provides patients, families and offices a more convenient timeframe to make appointments and follow up on referrals after standard working hours.

Medical imaging
Did you know...radiologist consultations are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 937-641-3393?

• Preferred imaging studies guide
  
  Locations, tests and times guide
  
  Wally B. Bear x-ray coloring page
•  
• If you would like copies of these tools, e-mail Moira Alter or call
  937-641-3618.

Pediatric Link e-mail newsletter
We are in the process of transitioning to an e-mail newsletter for health care professionals. This newsletter will give more convenient access directly to the topics of interest, as well as the ability to cover more topics. If you would like to receive the new Pediatric Link e-mail newsletter, email your name and practice information to Moira Alter in marketing communications.


New grand rounds online
There are new grand rounds online sessions available. This program allows physicians, nurses and other health care providers to view recorded grand rounds sessions from their home or office computer at their convenience. New sessions are added each month. For questions or feedback about our grand rounds online program, contact Moira Alter.