Immunology Deficiency Early and Advanced Diagnostic Clinic (IDEA)

A clinic for patients with complex conditions associated with known or suspected immunodeficiency. Patients seen require an in-depth assessment including; genetic testing and possible research testing to identify and understand the immunodeficiency. We may ask for other family members to give blood samples for genetic testing or evaluation. 

Immunology team: 

• Dr. C. Roifman, Staff Physician
• Jessica Willett Pachul, MN, RN, Clinical Nurse Specialist
• Other health-care professionals on a consultation basis 

What to bring: 

• Your child’s immunization record 
• Health cards for other family members, including parents 

 Directions: 

The first thing to do is register at the Immunology registration desk in Clinic 9. The waiting and registration area is in the Burton Wing of the hospital in Room M120, off to the left of the main Clinic 9 waiting and registration area. 

From the University Avenue entrance, turn right down the first hallway (opposite direction of Shoppers Drug Mart) and then turn down the first hallway on your left. We are the first clinic you will find on the right-hand side of this hallway. 

From the Atrium and parking garage elevators, walk down Main Street towards Shoppers Drug Mart. At the Family Resource Centre, turn left. At the end of this hallway you will find our registration and waiting area. 

Appointments generally last from one to two and a half hours, and while we try to be on time sometimes there is a wait. 

On arrival in the IDEA Clinic you will register your child at the desk. If your child has or is suspected to have severe combined immune deficiency, please tell the clerk and we will find a clinic room for your child to wait in. Do not sit in the public waiting room. 

The Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) for the Immunology Clinic will assess your child, which includes weight, height, head circumference for infants, temperature, pulse respirations and blood pressure reading. The nurse will also ask you questions about your child’s health including medications, infections, immunizations and other family members’ health. A physician training to be an immunologist will then see your child and complete a full health history and physical examination. The trainee will then discuss your child with the staff physician for the clinic. The trainee and other members of the team will then meet with you to develop a plan of care. This may include medications, blood tests, urine testing, photographs or X-rays. We may ask for blood tests on all members of the family for genetic testing for immunodeficiency. 

If necessary, we may arrange for you to see other members of the health-care team, such as dietitians and social work professionals. Each member plays an important role in the patient/family assessment, education, support and follow-up. We may suggest that your child be referred to other clinics for assessments. You will be given contact information for the clinic at the end of the visit and are welcome to call with any questions that arise after the visit. 

We suggest that your write down your questions both pre- and post-clinic, so that we may address them.