December 18, 2015

US – New Immune Deficiency Foundation Clinical Focus on Primary Immunodeficiencies: Diagnostic Approaches to Antibody Deficiencies

The Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) is pleased to present the new edition of Immune Deficiency Foundation Clinical Focus on Primary Immunodeficiencies: Diagnostic Approaches to Antibody Deficiencies. The majority of patients diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency disease will be found to have defective antibody production and/or function. Currently there are many questions regarding diagnostic approaches for antibody deficiencies.

When an immunodeficiency is suspected, there are a number of laboratory tools that can be used diagnostically to help determine a diagnosis. This Clinical Focus is dedicated specifically to the diagnosis of patients who have antibody defects as their primary feature.

This publication was authored by Kathleen E. Sullivan, MD, PhD, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Chief, Division of Allergy and Immunology; University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Professor of Pediatrics. It was edited by Terry Harville, MD, PhD, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Departments of Pathology and Laboratory Services and Pediatrics; and Jordan Orange, MD, PhD, Texas Children’s Hospital, Chief, Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics; Professor of Pediatrics, Pathology and Immunology, Vice Chair for Research. It was approved by the Medical Advisory Committee of the Immune Deficiency Foundation, comprised of leading clinical immunologists in the U.S.

Although written for healthcare professionals, people living with PI may also find it helpful. PDF versions can be downloaded or print copies can be ordered at www.primaryimmune.org/idf-publications. If you prefer, contact IDF at 800-296-4433 or idf@primaryimmune.org to order hard copies.

This publication was made possible by an educational grant from Baxalta US Inc.

IDF Earns Highest 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator for Third Consecutive Year

For the third consecutive year, the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF), the national patient organization for people with primary immunodeficiency diseases in the U.S., has been awarded a 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This top distinction is awarded for sound fiscal management practices and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that an organization adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and that it consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way. According to Charity Navigator, only 14% of the charities they rate have received at least 3 consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that IDF outperforms most other charities in the U.S.

“For 35 years, IDF has provided vital resources for the primary immunodeficiency community, including patients of all ages, families and healthcare professionals, and it is of the utmost importance that our donors know that we are following best practices to manage, develop and enhance those resources,” explained Marcia Boyle, IDF President & Founder. “We are very pleased to once again receive this exceptional 4-star rating.”

“This ‘exceptional’ rating from Charity Navigator differentiates IDF from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust,” said Michael Thatcher, President and CEO, Charity Navigator.

IDF’s complete Charity Navigator profile is available at www.charitynavigator.org.