Reproductive immunologist shares latest advances

MANILA, Philippines - A leading global expert on reproductive immunology, Dr Joanne Kwak-Kim, director of reproductive medicine of the Chicago Medical School of  Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, recently visited the country and  shared  the latest advances on reproductive immunology  at the recent biennial convention of the Philippine Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology last month at Sofitel. She also collaborated with other experts in this field of study through round-table discussions with local doctors and practitioners.

Reproductive immunology is a field of medicine that studies the interactions between the immune system and the components related to the reproductive process. This concept has been used by fertility experts to explain the fertility problems, recurrent miscarriages, and pregnancy complications observed when this state of immunological tolerance is not successfully achieved. Immuno therapy is a new development in the treatment of “unexplained infertility” and recurrent miscarriages .

Dr Joanne Kwak-Kim visited the UP-Philippine General Hospital, Section of Allergy & Immunology of the Department of Medicine, and the Section of Perinatology of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology  to know the latest in the Philippine setting. She also visited Bloodworks Lab, one of the leading state-of-the-art laboratories that offer immunologic tests and programs. Dr. Kwak-Kim was impressed with Bloodworks’ modern facilities and equipment while observing the test processes being run during her visit.

Dr. Lara Alentajan-Aleta, one of the leading allergologists and immunologists  in the country, facilitated Dr. Kwak-Kim’s visit to the country. Dr. Aleta and Bloodworks Laboratory manager Mary Antoniette Menciano trained under Dr. Kwak-Kim in Rosalind Franklin University.

Bloodworks Lab has been a leading advocate of reproductive immunology in the country and a consistent partner in the continuing medical education activities of the Philippines Obstetrics and Gynecology Society, Philippine Society of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, and the Philippines Society of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.

Bloodworks Lab also periodically pitches to top newspapers, radio, and TV programs relevant info on reproductive immunology and regularly posts on Facebook pages of Medical Specialty Societies to raise the level of public awareness on developments in this specific field.

The lab offers extensive immunologic tests, which have been significantly used by obstetricians in managing patients with unexplained, repeated miscarriages and those with difficulty in conceiving.  Immunologic tests conducted at Bloodworks include:  APAS, Basic and Comprehensive Immunology Panels, Lymphocyte Subset Enumeration Panels, and other  immunology/serology tests.

It is the only stand-alone lab in the country that offers these extensive immunologic tests.  It has the latest, state-of-the-art equipment, among which is its own 4-color flow cytometer (the third of its kind in the Philippines) and employs competent, professionally certified medical technologists.

The lab offers routine tests for blood, urine, and stool. It also offers special packages designed for specific sectors  like its Well-Being Package, Diet/Weight  Management Package,  Senior Citizen’s Check Up,  Pre-Employment Package, and  cancer screening tests such as prostate, ovarian, and colon.

Bloodworks Lab is located at Elizabeth Hall, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City with a satellite office at Civic Drive, Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Patients from other parts of the country may send their blood samples through duly accredited  couriers after proper coordination with Bloodworks Lab. For further inquiries, call 426-0237, 0925-3795611 or visit www.bloodworkslab.com and Facebook page BLOODWORKS.