Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A new method, nanoproteomics, captures and measures various forms of cardiac troponin I, a biomarker of heart damage. This effective test could one day provide doctors with a better ability to diagnose heart disease, the leading cause of death in the U.S.
A novel, rapid carcinogen detection method using stem cells has been developed by scientists at Okayama University. The method, which takes only one week to yield results, involves testing chemicals on healthy stem cells to see if they convert into cancerous stem cells.
A new, efficient method to detect toxic heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, and chromium in vegetables and drinking water has been developed by researchers at the University of Johannesburg. The technique combines established methods with automation and can test for multiple metals simultaneously.
Researchers developed a blood test that can identify babies at risk of serious neurodisabilities like cerebral palsy and epilepsy just hours after birth. The test looks for specific genes being switched on or off, which may provide new targets for treating brain damage before it becomes permanent.
A new model of screening combines better risk assessment, noninvasive testing options, and targeted referrals for colonoscopy to save more lives. The American Gastroenterological Association proposes a universal approach to screening that reaches more people and offers alternatives to colonoscopy.
The study defines SARS-CoV-2 testing performance standards for safe student return to US residential campuses. It sets criteria for test accuracy and interpretation to minimize COVID-19 transmission risk.
A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that drivers who have had a concussion take longer to regain complex reaction times, crucial for driving situations. The research suggests that traditional reaction time tests may not be the best measure of driving responsiveness and readiness.
A team of researchers has developed a multi-analyte test strip to monitor various biomarkers continuously, enabling personalized medicine. The technology combines big-data analysis with wearable sensors and minimally invasive methods.
Researchers discovered that a urine test of bicarbonate can measure CFTR function in patients with cystic fibrosis. This test may predict the effectiveness of new treatments for the disease.
A non-invasive blood test, PanSeer, can detect five common types of cancers four years before conventional diagnosis methods. The test detected cancer in 91% of asymptomatic samples and accurately identified cancer-free samples 95% of the time.
Children with low cardiorespiratory fitness are at risk for premature heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Improving CRF through regular physical activity, such as sports or high-intensity interval training, can lead to better academic achievement, mental health, and overall health.
Scientists have developed a simple clinical test, the 'enhanced paper grip test,' to assess lower limb strength and predict falls. The test shows reliability and validity in detecting muscle weakness in patients with diabetes.
A study of 449 older adults found that individuals with subjective felt memory problems also exhibited measurable cognitive deficits associated with Alzheimer's disease. The findings suggest that early diagnosis and therapy development could benefit from these results.
A new male fertility test, Cap-Score, has been developed to predict which men need treatment and which couples might have success with different forms of assisted reproduction. The test quantifies sperm capacitation ability, enabling doctors and couples to make informed decisions about their fertility.
The American Thoracic Society has published a guidance document to help clinicians restore elective in-person pulmonary and sleep services. The guidance provides recommendations for resuming services, prioritizing patients, and implementing infection control measures to mitigate the risk of viral transmission.
A new finger-stick test can estimate radiation exposure in mice with high accuracy, using microRNA biomarkers. The test distinguishes between various doses of radiation, including those requiring triage, and could improve acute radiation syndrome diagnosis and treatment.
The article outlines a 5-phase roadmap for transforming US primary care during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first three phases focus on testing, triage, and virtual visits, while the fourth phase emphasizes recovery after acute care. The fifth phase addresses indirect consequences like worsening mental health and social risks.
A new AI-powered holographic imaging system detects bacteria growth in water samples with high sensitivity and speed, saving over 12 hours compared to traditional methods. The platform can classify three types of bacteria, including E. coli, within 9 hours.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed a fully automated micro-lab on a chip that can quickly and reliably determine a patient's blood type. The device can dilute whole blood automatically and detect weak coagulation with the naked eye, holding potential for use in emergency medical situations.
Routine Hepatitis C testing at federally qualified health centers (FQHC) has been shown to improve diagnosis rates and health outcomes for people with HCV infections in the US. This approach is cost-effective compared to targeted testing, resulting in better health outcomes and reduced financial burden.
A team of bioengineers and clinical experts from Brigham and Women's Hospital and MIT have developed a new, sustainable solution for health care workers to provide protection during the pandemic. The iMASC system is made from sterilizable materials and can fit faces of different sizes and shapes.
A new study from the University of Cambridge suggests that individuals with less active jobs, typically office-based desk jobs, performed better at cognitive tests and were at lower risk of poor cognition. Those in manual work had almost three times increased risk of poor cognition than those with an inactive job.
A new algorithm developed by researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center can predict PTSD risk in trauma survivors with high precision. The tool uses routinely collected medical data and has been tested on 377 adult trauma survivors, with 90% of those categorized as PTSD risks developing long-lasting symptoms within a year.
A new study detects biologically relevant AMH levels in human hair samples, which strongly correlate with serum levels and AFC. The results suggest a non-invasive test of ovarian reserve using hair samples may be more accurate and cost-effective than traditional blood tests.
A University of Central Florida researcher has developed a new test strip that can detect adulterated food with high accuracy, solving the problem of people paying more for their food than it's worth. The technology aims to replace current tests that are expensive, complicated or less effective, and is scheduled for completion in 2023.
A new polymeric heart valve, PoliValve, has been developed by scientists at the universities of Bristol and Cambridge, promising to address the limitations of current artificial valves. The device combines excellent durability with biocompatibility, making it a potential alternative for valve replacement surgery.
A large study analyzing living patients found an association between repeated head impacts and later-life symptoms of depression and cognitive decline. The study revealed that exposure to repetitive head impacts had a stronger effect on depression symptoms than traumatic brain injury alone.
Researchers have developed a novel geochemistry test that can identify osteoporosis before its clinical effects on bones. The test is more sensitive and can detect changes in calcium isotopes in blood and urine, allowing for earlier diagnosis and treatment.
A study of 140 WNBA players reveals their hearts are larger and thicker than most women, due to physical conditioning and height. The research provides a normative dataset for female athletes, enabling better identification of cardiac problems.
A low-cost, easy-to-use emergency ventilator for COVID-19 patients has been developed at the University of California San Diego. The UCSD MADVent Mark V can be assembled in just 15 minutes and is designed to be safe and easy to use for healthcare workers with limited experience.
A decision analytical model study examined the feasibility of pool testing to identify COVID-19 patients in settings with limited testing availability. The study found that this approach could be effective in identifying patients with COVID-19, even in resource-constrained environments.
A new test developed at CHU Sainte-Justine enables better management of patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) by analyzing a small volume of peripheral blood. The test uses a 3D culture system to mimic the function of a human thymus, allowing for a relatively quick response and improved treatment options.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found that among symptomatic pregnant women, 7.9% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, while asymptomatic women had a 1.5% test positivity rate. The study suggests universal testing can provide insight into community prevalence and inform public health decisions.
A new study found fentanyl was the most prevalent drug in overdose patients at two Baltimore hospital emergency departments, detected in 73-87% of specimens. The Maryland Emergency Department Drug Surveillance System helped identify this trend, highlighting the need for hospitals to add fentanyl testing to their routine panels.
A new ancestral lineage of tuberculosis has been found in East Africa, with genome analyses suggesting a unique origin. The discovery reinforces the hypothesis of an East African origin for the disease and provides insights into its evolution.
A paper-based device has been developed to analyze human sweat for biomolecules without requiring external power. The device uses capillary action and evaporation to extract and manage sweat, enabling long-term analysis of up to 10 days. This technology holds promise for affordable medical testing in under-resourced populations.
A risk-tailored approach can guide Canada's COVID-19 response by accounting for population-level risks. This approach would require granular data and address social and health inequities.
Researchers found TSH testing performed on most pregnant women without thyroid disease, leading to unnecessary thyroid hormone therapy. The study suggests that minor elevations in TSH may not require treatment, raising concerns about overmedicalization during pregnancy.
A new blood test has been developed to detect recent Plasmodium vivax infections and identify individuals with hypnozoites, which can cause relapsing malaria. The test offers high sensitivity and specificity, and mathematical models suggest it could reduce P. vivax prevalence by 59-69%.
A recent study by Arizona State University's Canine Science Collaboratory found that pet dogs will attempt to rescue their owners if they know how. Approximately one-third of the dogs in the experiment rescued their owners, suggesting that motivation alone is not enough, but rather a combination of understanding and ability are required.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo's Engineering School have developed a low-cost mechanical ventilator that costs approximately 7% as much as conventional ventilators. The device has already been tested in animals and humans and shows promise in treating patients with acute respiratory syndrome, a severe outcome of COVID-19.
A new Stanford Medicine study provides a comprehensive analysis of the molecular effects of exercise, shedding light on how physical fitness is determined at a molecular level. The research reveals a strong correlation between specific molecules and an individual's aerobic fitness, paving the way for the development of a blood test tha...
Researchers have introduced polymer molecules that mimic nature's antifreeze proteins into concrete to prevent ice crystal growth. The new concrete mix has been shown to withstand 300 freeze-thaw cycles and maintain its strength, offering a potential solution to the damage caused by freezing and thawing.
Women with a history of miscarriage who engage in high-strain exercise may be at a greater risk of subclinical pregnancy loss, according to new research. The study found a two-fold higher risk of very early pregnancy loss for highly active women compared to those who were less active.
A new urine-testing system inspired by nature can identify metabolites that cause kidney stones to form, enabling patients to receive results within 30 minutes. The test is more cost-effective and simpler than current methods, making it a promising solution for managing urinary stone disease.
A new blood test can identify women at risk of developing type 2 diabetes up to 10 years after delivery, allowing for potential interventions such as diet and exercise. The test uses metabolic markers that are present in the blood of women who have had gestational diabetes.
A blood test detecting neurofilament light chain can predict which people with multiple sclerosis will experience worsening symptoms and disability over the next year. The study found that individuals with high levels of this biomarker were more likely to develop significant disability and secondary progressive MS.
A team of researchers at McMaster University developed a reliable and accurate blood test to track individual fat intake. The test detects specific non-esterified fatty acids, allowing for an objective assessment of dietary fats and potentially informing public health policy.
High DPP3 blood concentrations are linked to circulatory failure, cardiac depression, and acute kidney injury in burn patients. Decreasing DPP3 levels indicate a reduced risk of mortality.
Researchers found that six months of aerobic exercise improved executive function and verbal fluency by 5.7% and 2.4%, respectively. Blood flow to the brain increased significantly with exercise, associated with modest but significant improvements in thinking abilities.
A miniaturized Bluetooth device can detect glucose and fructose molecules in fermentation processes over days, enabling the study of metabolites and disease. The device has an accuracy above 98% and can transmit data wirelessly for up to 24 hours.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has released consensus recommendations to aid in the design, validation and interpretation of clinical genotyping tests for predicting warfarin response. The guidelines define a minimum set of pharmacogenetic alleles for inclusion in clinical warfarin sensitivity genotyping tests.
An observational study investigated the association between ACEI and ARB use and COVID-19 positivity. The study found a significant correlation between ACEI/ARB use and increased likelihood of testing positive for COVID-19. The authors suggest that future studies should explore potential mechanisms underlying this association.
A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that incorporating cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) into traditional risk factor assessments improves mortality risk prediction accuracy. CRF was strongly associated with a lower risk of mortality, particularly when combined with age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking.
A new study published in Nature found that a simple 'sniff test' can accurately diagnose and predict the recovery of severely brain-injured patients. The test measures the response to different smells, with minimally conscious patients showing significant changes in breathing patterns.
MIT engineers have devised a way to speed up drug development by rapidly testing how well drugs are absorbed in the small intestine. The new system uses pig intestinal tissue grown in the lab to test thousands of different versions of a drug in just hours.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a method to monitor the novel coronavirus in wastewater, offering a new approach to tracking disease outbreaks and identifying hotspots. This technique uses reverse-transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT qPCR) to detect viral RNA genomes in wastewater samples.
The study examines pediatric cases of SARS-CoV-2 from China and Singapore, highlighting key clinical features and diagnostic tests. Current therapeutic management and prognosis are also discussed, providing valuable insights into managing the disease in this vulnerable population.
The new device developed by the Institute of Physical Chemistry uses non-contact printing to test antibiotic combinations and concentrations. It offers flexibility and precision, allowing users to produce sterile plates on demand with different antibiotics in various combinations.
A new diagnostic method for allergic rhinitis has been developed using nasal smears, providing a gentle alternative to blood tests. The method detected identical allergic sensitization patterns in both blood and nasal secretions for a wide range of airborne allergens.