Aurora, Colo. (May 18, 2023) – Children’s Hospital Colorado (Children’s Colorado) announces its official Electron Microscopy (EM) accreditation and becomes one of only two sites in the nation certified in the use of electron microscopy to diagnose primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). This EM accreditation is granted by the PCD Foundation (PCDF), a patient-focused organization dedicated to providing resources for those with PCD, a rare and debilitating lung disease.
"Children’s Colorado’s Electron Microscopy Lab has a long history of providing specialized electron microscopic imaging for many disease processes, including PCD,” said Eric Wartchow, PhD, Electron Microscopist at Children’s Colorado. “Receiving TEM certification from the PCDF will provide clinicians and pathologists, and ultimately the patients themselves, with the confidence that they are receiving the most accurate ultrastructural examination of their ciliary samples.”
Cilia, which are microscopic ‘hair-like’ organelles projecting from the surface of cells lining our airways, are part of our natural defense against inhaled pathogens or irritants. PCD is a rare genetic disorder that prevents adequate clearing of mucus from the respiratory tract. Most patients with PCD have subtle structural abnormalities within their cilia observable only by electron microscopy. When genetic mutations cause cilia to function improperly, the failure to adequately clear mucus from our airways leads to chronic infections and inflammation which causes irreversible damage to the lungs.
“In 2022, our lab evaluated over 400 ciliary samples and with PCDF accreditation we expect to greatly increase the numbers of centers and patients we support,” said Dr. Wartchow. “We’re honored to partner with the PCDF and it is a testament to the years our team has dedicated to optimizing this specialized diagnostic service.”
"Children’s Colorado’s Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine achieving accreditation, greatly enhances our patients’ access to this important component of diagnosis for PCD,” said Michele Manion, president and executive director of the PCD Foundation. "PCD is a lifelong, progressive respiratory disorder that can be challenging to diagnose. Early diagnosis of PCD is critical for ensuring appropriate treatment for affected indivduals in order to slow down progression of the disease and improve quality of life. Having expert EM centers like Children’s Colorado is a tremendous resource to aid in diagnosis and, ultimately, improve outcomes for individuals with PCD.”
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ABOUT CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL COLORADO
Children’s Hospital Colorado is one of the nation’s leading and most expansive nonprofit pediatric healthcare systems with a mission to improve the health of children through patient care, education, research and advocacy. Founded in 1908 and recognized as a top 10 children’s hospital by U.S. News & World Report, Children’s Colorado has established itself as a pioneer in the discovery of innovative and groundbreaking treatments that are shaping the future of pediatric healthcare worldwide. Children’s Colorado offers a full spectrum of family-centered care at its urgent, emergency and specialty care locations throughout Colorado, including an academic medical center on the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, hospitals in Colorado Springs, Highlands Ranch and Broomfield, and outreach clinics across the region. For more information, visit www.childrenscolorado.org or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Children’s Hospital Colorado complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
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ABOUT THE PCD FOUNDATION
The PCD Foundation was founded by a PCD parent and a PCD patient in 2002. As a patient-focused organization, the goal of the PCD Foundation is to provide the leadership and resources needed to support increased research, accelerated diagnosis, improved health, and ultimately a cure for PCD. To learn more about the PCD Foundation and the PCD Foundation Clinical and Research Centers Network, visit www.pcdfoundation.org.