Articles tagged with Medical Tests
Researchers at the University of Toledo have developed a rapid blood screening method to detect elevated bile acids, an early but overlooked marker of liver disease. The test, which has been patented, can accurately identify individuals with high bile acids and has the potential to save lives by catching liver disease early.
Celiac disease is a chronic autoimmune disorder caused by gluten intolerance, characterized by small intestine damage and malabsorption. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss, with accurate testing and early treatment available to prevent complications.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open finds a strong association between gestational diabetes and an increased risk of postpartum cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic disorders. The research highlights the importance of monitoring and managing gestational diabetes to prevent long-term health consequences for mothers.
Researchers identified seven proteins in the blood that can help diagnose Alzheimer's disease more accurately, improving treatment choices and future research. The new blood-based tests provide a clearer picture of the disease, allowing for earlier detection and better patient outcomes.
Researchers have developed a machine learning model that can help clinicians assess uncertain variants in prenatal genetic testing, providing more accurate diagnoses and clearer information for families. The approach uses tissue-agnostic episignatures to overcome limitations in epigenetic testing.
A new study uses mathematical biomarkers to accurately predict prostate cancer patient outcomes and survival, outperforming traditional PSA monitoring. These metrics can inform personalized treatment protocols, enabling more effective adaptive therapy.
A cohort study found nearly 30% of screened patients had health-related social needs, with higher rates among racial and ethnic minority groups and those publicly insured. Inpatient HRSN screening workflows provide support for equitable reach, preserving benefits for patient groups with disproportionately high social needs.
A cohort study revealed racial differences in sonographic evaluation, with a 76% completion rate and excellent cancer exclusion ability in Black women despite fibroids impairing endometrial visibility. Fibroid presence did not hinder cancer detection accuracy.
A randomized clinical trial found video laryngoscopy with a Macintosh blade (VLM) and hyperangulated blade (VLH) to have significantly higher first-pass success rates compared to direct laryngoscopy (DL). The study supports the use of video laryngoscopy as a new standard for routine airway management in adult patients.
Researchers used connected speech analysis to distinguish between nonfluent, logopenic and semantic PPA variants with high accuracy. The study also showed expected atrophy associations and discriminated common neuropathologic classes in an autopsy-confirmed subset.
A decision analytical model and microsimulation study found that expanding alcohol screening and brief interventions in primary care could reduce premature mortality from major alcohol-related causes of death in US adults. By 2030, this expanded approach is projected to decrease annual alcohol-related potential years of life lost by −5...
A new study found that a simple blood test can accurately identify tuberculosis (TB) among patients, which could help save millions of lives and reduce transmission. The test measures a specific marker called ESAT-6 produced by the TB bacteria.
A Tulane University team is using AI to discover new superconductors, which could improve the nation's electrical grid, medical imaging, and quantum computing. The project combines high-fidelity calculations, physics-aware AI, and experimental measurements to accelerate discovery.
A cohort study of Korean patients with lung cancer found that international screening guidelines excluded 64.6% of patients, many without smoking history. Ineligible patients had lower mortality risk than eligible patients, suggesting tailored approaches are necessary to enhance early detection.
A blood test measuring phosphorylated tau 217 (P-tau217) can estimate an individual's risk of developing cognitive impairment over 2, 5, and 10 years. Higher P-tau217 levels are associated with increased risk of progression to cognitive impairment in cognitively unimpaired older adults.
The meeting will explore breakthroughs in diabetes prevention and treatment, as well as innovative approaches to monitoring astronauts' health in space. Researchers will also discuss potential targets for slowing or preventing Alzheimer's disease in people with Down syndrome, and advancements in cervical cancer screening.
A new award will help advance the proof-of-concept work toward commercialization of an at-home HIV test that detects cases not caught by lab tests. The device, called Click Chemistry Amplified Nanopore (CAN) sensing, has shown promising results in early studies.
Researchers propose using the glucose ketone index (GKI) to track metabolic health in non-communicable diseases, which cause three in four deaths worldwide. The GKI measures blood glucose and ketones and may indicate metabolic state, assess long-term nutritional adherence, and support mitochondrial function improvement.
Using the YEARS diagnostic algorithm is as safe as computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) for diagnosing suspected pulmonary embolism in patients with cancer. This strategy saved 22% of patients from undergoing CTPA, highlighting its potential to streamline cancer care.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found an alarming rise in invasive breast cancer among Asian American women over the last two decades. Breast cancer rates are rising among nearly all ethnic groups much faster than any other U.S. group, with Chinese and Vietnamese women experiencing the highest increases.
The AKI-PURIFY survey reveals substantial variability in AKI prevention strategies and KDIGO implementation across ICUs. Despite strong evidence supporting structured preventive approaches, only one-third of respondents reported routine implementation of kidney-protective bundles.
The NHS Clinical Entrepreneur Programme has supported the creation of 691 businesses, generating 5,184 jobs and raising over £1.27 billion in investment. The programme continues to play a critical role in retaining talent within the NHS by enabling clinicians to develop their ventures alongside their clinical careers.
Researchers at Texas A&M University develop a laser technique called TRIP to directly measure quantum forces shaping proteins, enabling accurate prediction of how pharmaceutical drugs interact with them. This breakthrough could lead to the design of medicines tailored to specific diseases, revolutionizing precision medicine.
The study's findings suggest that adults can reduce their likelihood of severe COVID-19-associated outcomes by obtaining a 2025-2026 COVID-19 vaccination. Receipt of the vaccine was associated with additional protection against medically attended COVID-19, including emergency department/urgent care encounters and hospitalizations.
A new blood test, Stockholm3, detected significantly more aggressive prostate cancers than the PSA test without increasing unnecessary follow-ups. The study shows that Stockholm3 identifies 90% of aggressive cancer cases, compared to 74% for PSA.
Researchers at USC are conducting a clinical trial to determine whether mindfulness meditation training can augment the potential benefits of psilocybin therapy for mental well-being and cognitive function. The study will evaluate the effects of psilocybin within an eight-week mindfulness meditation training program.
A cross-sectional study found that colorectal cancer screening participation increased after an organized population screening program, but socioeconomic disparities remained. Younger age groups, single households, and lower-income individuals still lag behind in screening uptake.
Researchers developed a simple blood-based assessment to evaluate high-density lipoprotein's (HDL) cholesterol removal capacity from blood vessel walls. The study linked low HDL function to high-risk coronary plaques, supporting the use of this method for predicting cardiovascular risk.
A recent study found that melanoma disproportionately affects Florida's senior population, with older men experiencing twice as many skin cancer-related deaths as women. The study highlights gaps in prevention and early detection, particularly among men and non-Hispanic populations.
Researchers used an open-source AI model called Mirai to quickly identify high-risk patients and expedite their diagnostic process. This led to a significant reduction in wait times, with some women receiving biopsy results within days of having their mammograms done.
The study found that population-based pathogenic variant testing reveals different subsets of high-risk women than clinical risk factors and polygenic risk scores. This highlights the importance of incorporating PV testing into risk-based screening for breast cancer.
A new laser-based process is set to revolutionize photonics manufacturing by removing manual calibration, which accounts for over half of production costs. The technology promises faster, cheaper, and precise manufacturing at sub-micron tolerances.
A population-based screening trial evaluating a cell-free DNA multicancer early detection test found modest increases in diagnostic delay rates for head and neck, lung, and upper gastrointestinal cancers. These findings suggest that future trials may need to consider system-level spillover effects on healthcare resources.
The American Cancer Society has endorsed two new types of stool tests and recommends limiting the use of blood tests for colorectal cancer screening. The guidelines aim to encourage people to get screened while improving detection rates.
The alliance aims to address the diagnostic gap in rare diseases, leveraging genomics, AI, and technology. BGI Genomics is establishing a national-level rare disease diagnosis center with improved access across Southeast Asia.
A systematic review of point-of-care testing found that rapid tests improve people's understanding of their condition, increase confidence in self-management, and motivate lifestyle changes. This leads to better medication adherence and improved clinical markers, ultimately reducing the risk of serious complications.
A new blood test, called VeloCD, can predict how a patient's illness will progress and how well they will respond to treatment. The test analyzes key markers in the blood that reveal gene expression patterns, allowing for accurate predictions of future clinical states.
Researchers at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified specific blood-based genomic biomarkers that distinguish inflammatory breast cancer from other subtypes. The study used an improved method of RNA sequencing, called TGIRT sequencing, which allowed for a more comprehensive overview of all RNA types and amou...
Elective MRI screenings may lead to false positives, unnecessary surgery, and emotional harm. Experts argue that detecting certain cancers early is not always beneficial, and the scans can exacerbate anxiety rather than improve quality of life.
Researchers found that accelerated biological aging of a type of white blood cell called monocytes is linked to cognitive and mood-related symptoms of depression. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and personalized treatment for depression, particularly in high-risk populations such as women with HIV.
A new portable device can deliver accurate test results for tuberculosis (TB) in less than half an hour, matching lab accuracy. The MiniDock MTB uses similar technology to COVID-19 tests and detects DNA of mycobacterium tuberculosis, enabling rapid diagnosis and treatment
Researchers developed an AI tool that analyzes routine electronic health records to predict ADHD risk in children years before a typical diagnosis. The model accurately identified risk in children age 5 and older, with consistent performance across patient characteristics.
A new analysis found that prescriptions for curable hepatitis C drugs have declined sharply in recent years, leaving millions without treatment. The researchers urge swift actions to deliver the drugs to those who need them, including increased screening and system-level changes.
A recent study identified distinct microbial signatures in the oral cavity and gut that serve as robust biomarkers for early gastric cancer detection. These microbial markers can be detected in saliva or stool samples using machine learning models, achieving an AUROC of 0.87 for saliva-based detection.
Researchers created a new polymer electrode that conforms to the skin, is comfortable, and can pick up ECG signals without gel or adhesives. The technology performed comparably to existing sensors in proof-of-concept testing, showcasing its potential for practical and cost-effective health monitoring applications.
A community-based point-of-care HCV RNA testing program was feasible and led to a high percentage of same-day treatment for American Indian and Alaska Native participants. The study supports expanding point-of-care HCV RNA testing and integrated treatment to advance HCV elimination.
A new analysis from UC San Francisco argues that diagnostics are being overlooked, slowing progress against major diseases despite advances in targeted therapies. The study suggests that nearly half of the world's population lacks adequate access to diagnostics due to inadequate investment and insurance reimbursement.
A national survey found significant disparities in IBS diagnosis across sex and racial groups in the US. Men and Black patients are less likely to receive a formal diagnosis compared to women and white patients, despite similar reported healthcare-seeking behavior and symptom severity.
A randomized trial found that duloxetine does not prevent painful neuropathy caused by oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in patients with stage II or III colorectal cancer. The study suggests that duloxetine should only be used for managing existing neuropathy, not prevention.
Advanced or metastatic cancers often go without tumor genomic testing, with those from low-income backgrounds facing longer wait times. JAMA Network Open highlights the need for targeted healthcare policies to bridge these gaps.
The Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is enrolling adolescent and young adult cancer patients in various trials, including genetic services and treatment studies. These trials aim to address longstanding gaps in care and improve outcomes for AYAs with cancer.
Researchers at Charité develop test to determine circadian rhythm using hair roots, revealing genetic and lifestyle factors influencing internal clock. The new method shows promise for tailoring therapies to individual rhythms, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers discovered subtle changes in the blood can reveal early signs of cognitive decline caused by chemicals produced by gut bacteria. A blood test may one day transform how we detect dementia, potentially identifying people at risk years before symptoms appear.
Researchers developed a physics-based model for competitive lateral flow assay (LFA) test strips, improving commercial fentanyl test strips' sensitivity. The new method enables actionable guidance for sensitivity optimization across various LFAs.
Researchers are developing a comprehensive diagnostic toolkit to detect lymphatic disorders earlier and as part of routine physical exams. The team, led by Dr. Zhenpeng Qin, is working on identifying biomarkers for lymphatic diseases through blood samples.
A study found that inflammation markers may signal depression in women with type 2 diabetes, but vary based on depression symptoms and measures. The research suggests a path toward precision mental health by identifying specific inflammatory biomarkers linked to different dimensions of mental health.
A cohort study found that smokers with negative baseline low-dose computed tomography findings had a significantly increased long-term lung cancer risk, becoming apparent only after two years of screening. This suggests supporting extended initial screening intervals and personalized long-term monitoring based on smoking history.
Professional dancers experience high levels of physical strain and ergonomic stress, with 25% developing osteoarthritis by their late twenties. The study suggests optimizing training sessions, flooring, and organizational changes to reduce injury risk and wear-related conditions.
A decrease in colorectal cancer incidence was observed among individuals with negative screening colonoscopy results, particularly men, suggesting risk-based follow-up strategies. Nonadherence to scheduled colonoscopies increased the risk of CRC, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve early detection.
Researchers developed a computational tool that infers telomere length from structural changes in cells and tissues captured in medical biopsies. The TLPath model accurately predicts telomere length, providing new opportunities for studying human aging.