Department Overviews
Clinical Operations
Thomas B. Ledue, BA
Senior Technical Supervisor
Wendy Y. Craig, PhD
Senior Research Scientist
The Rheumatic Disease Laboratory (RDL) at FBR has served Maine physicians for over 30 years. Initially charged with establishing a research and diagnostic center for rheumatology in the state of Maine, today the RDL continues to use and develop new methods of laboratory analysis to aid physicians in the diagnosis and management of patients with rheumatic, neoplastic, and immunologic disorders.
Over the years, the RDL has taken a leadership role in developing, modifying, and standardizing laboratory methods. RDL's role in the application of immunonephelometry, electrophoresis, and immunofixation has been widely accepted by the laboratory community. These techniques are now routinely used by laboratories around the world.
The RDL publishes the results of its research in a variety of peer-reviewed journals. The RDL strives to create more efficient and accurate ways of performing these analyses and to study new approaches to clinical problems facing physicians in Maine and throughout the country.
Andrea J. Pulkkinen, MS
Supervisor
The Prenatal Screening Laboratory (PSL) started operations in March, 1979, and offers state-of-the-art testing for identifying pregnancies at increased risk for open neural tube defects (spina bifida/anencephaly), Down syndrome (trisomy 21), and trisomy 18. Maternal serum screening by FBR is provided to clients across the United States, and we currently evaluate 75% of the pregnancies in Maine each year.
The PSL complies with the recommendations of professional organizations in offering laboratory services as part of a comprehensive screening program. FBR's experienced laboratory personnel are available to discuss test results with physicians, provide assistance in coordinating follow-up and diagnostic studies, and serve as an educational resource for physicians and patients. The PSL staff is able to address complex clinical situations because of its in-depth understanding of the limitations and assumptions underlying screening. An active "prenatal collaborative" with physicians and genetic counselors at The Maine Medical Partners Division of Women's Health allows for rapid and well-coordinated patient care.
The first quality assurance program for alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) screening, now managed by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), was developed and conducted originally by FBR. The PSL continues to be a leader in the biochemical analysis of amniotic fluid, used to confirm the presence of an open fetal defect and manages a quality assurance program for amniotic fluid acetylcholinesterase.
Beginning in early 1994, the PSL began offering analysis of serum and plasma samples for the presence of anti-phospholipid antibodies and/or lupus-like anticoagulant. This testing can be helpful for patients with autoimmune disorders (such as lupus), with a history of thrombosis, or some women with recurrent pregnancy loss.
Sue E. LaPierre, BS
Supervisor
The Molecular Genetics Laboratory (MGL) opened in 1994 to extend FBR's interest in population screening into the rapidly developing field of DNA-based genetic testing. The MGL provides an innovative, office-based screening approach to pregnant women and their partners utilizing a simple, inexpensive DNA-based test that will identify about 80% of couples who have a 1 in 4 risk of having a fetus affected with cystic fibrosis (CF). The MGL is also testing the feasibility of DNA-based population screening protocols for genetic disorders such as hereditary hemochromatosis and fragile X syndrome.
Supporting Services
Gavin Welch, PhD
Director
Bioinformatics and Information Technology
The Bioinformatics and Information Technology (BIT) Division is the centralized resource for computer, network and data analysis services at FBR. BIT staff maintain all computer hardware, networking infrastructure and software within the organization. Much of the software used at FBR, including the Laboratory Information System, was developed in-house. The Laboratory Information System includes a queryable database that contains more than 20 years of laboratory results.
The BIT Division also houses experts in quantitative data analysis including epidemiology, the study of the distribution and causes of health outcomes within populations, and biometry, the application of statistical and mathematical methods to biological problems. BIT staff carry out their own research programs and collaborate with other scientists, inside and outside of FBR, to investigate biomedical questions and ensure that scientific studies carried out by FBR are of the highest quality.
David W. Groft, MS
Director
The office of Clinical Support acts as liaison between FBR and the institutions and individuals it serves. This office is a clearinghouse for information about FBR services, policies, and its research interests. It plays an active role in the recruitment of physicians and their patients into the many clinical studies undertaken here. In this capacity, it forges a link between the FBR's research endeavors and the physician communities that provide access to patient populations. The Clinical Support staff works with science and education staff to produce requisite physician, office staff and patient education materials. The establishment of this department formalizes the emphasis on personalized client relations that has always existed at FBR.
Deborah A. Sykes, MS
Financial Director
Lori Grenier
Medical Billing Specialist
Business Office
The Business Office prepares and submits bills to third party payors. In addition, payments from patients, third party payors, and clients are processed by this department. Questions and concerns regarding invoices and cash receipts should be directed to this department.
Biomedical Library
The Biomedical Library supports the institution's interests by providing a unique, specialized, and dynamic collection of resources that enhance the scientific research efforts of its parent organization. The Library serves FBR staff and visiting scientists. Services include database searching, provision of articles, current awareness, and end-user training. Our journal holdings are listed with the National Library of Medicine (NLM).