Articles tagged with Medical Tests
Two studies demonstrate that penKid is the most accurate surrogate for assessing true GFR and predicting AKI in critically ill patients with severe burns. It can complement current diagnostic standard methods to provide timely diagnosis of impaired renal function.
Parents receiving prenatal Down syndrome diagnosis face complex decision-making, with most choosing to continue pregnancy despite low prenatal screening uptake. Key factors influencing their decisions include perceived welcome of a child with DS, quality of screening test, and information provided.
A simple portable test can detect deadly mushroom toxins in minutes, aiding doctors in diagnosing amatoxin poisoning. The test's sensitivity allows for detection of the toxin in urine, potentially improving patient outcomes and increasing safe mushroom foraging.
A study found that paying for low-value vitamin D tests was stopped in Ontario, leading to a nearly 93% drop in testing. In contrast, US patients covered by Veterans Health benefits or commercial insurance saw only an 14% reduction after Choosing Wisely guidelines were issued.
Hospital patients with low folate levels are at a higher risk of gastrointestinal disorders, sepsis, and kidney disease. The study recommends evaluating these patients for malnutrition, regardless of weight status.
A new study suggests that lengthening the time between prostate cancer screenings can significantly reduce overdiagnosis and improve outcomes. The research found that discontinuing screening at age 60 would greatly reduce overdiagnoses by 79-82%, but save fewer lives compared to screening until age 69.
Researchers from Duke University have conducted field trials of their off-grid sanitation system, finding that critical components lasted longer than expected. However, the system still requires improvement in nutrient removal processes and addressing cultural practices to ensure sustainability.
Researchers have developed a novel formulation that reduces the toxicity of crotoxin, a toxin from rattlesnake venom, and enhances its analgesic effect. In an animal model of neuropathic pain, the formulation demonstrated promising results, with longer-lasting analgesic effects compared to traditional treatments.
Doctors from black and ethnic minority backgrounds are up to three times more likely to fail exams than their white peers. Improved learning experiences and inclusive curriculums can help address this institutional problem. Strong leadership and tackling prejudice are key to creating a more equitable healthcare system.
Researchers developed a machine learning algorithm to predict dementia onset using electronic medical records, showing similar accuracy to invasive tests. The method could help identify patients at risk earlier, allowing for prevention and better quality of life.
A handheld spectrometer has been developed to determine THC levels in cannabis plants, enabling farmers and law enforcement to quickly identify whether a plant is hemp or marijuana. The test distinguishes between various hemp and marijuana varieties with high accuracy.
Researchers developed an algorithm using deep convolutional neural networks to analyze myoclonus severity from video footage. The method successfully quantified myoclonic jerks in EPM1 patients, correlating well with clinical evaluations and detecting small-amplitude and high-frequency jerks.
Researchers at the University of Surrey developed an experimental fingerprint detection approach that can identify traces of cocaine on human skin even after washing hands. The test distinguishes between individuals who have consumed and those who have handled cocaine, utilizing a molecule produced in the body when cocaine is ingested.
A Japanese study found increased traffic injuries among older drivers who lost their licenses after undergoing cognitive tests, as they became unprotected road users. The research suggests that the policy may not adequately consider the dangers facing those who lose a main mode of transport.
Researchers at Houston Methodist have developed a new method for classifying pituitary tumors, which could improve diagnosis accuracy and treatment options. The test measures the levels of betahydroxybutyrate (BHB) in blood samples, indicating the presence of certain tumor subtypes.
A team of doctors and engineers developed a noninvasive device that measures brain metabolism using an infrared laser, enabling faster and more certain concussion diagnoses. The technology could guide treatment for serious brain injuries and other conditions, improving patient outcomes.
A team of engineers at MIT has developed a bionic 'heart' to test prosthetic valves and other cardiac devices, reducing the need for animal testing and increasing design efficiency. The device combines real heart tissue with soft artificial muscles to mimic the natural beating motion of a human heart.
Researchers developed a comprehensive multi-Organ-on-a-Chip platform to bridge the gap in current limitations in drug development. The system enabled accurate modeling of human pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters for tested drugs, mimicking real-world human responses.
A low-cost test screening for excess protein in the urine accurately identifies patients at higher risk for progressive kidney disease after being hospitalized for acute kidney injury. Targeting treatment to these high-risk patients could reduce future need for dialysis or kidney transplants and save billions of dollars.
Researchers found that measuring anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels can predict when a woman's final menstrual period will occur. AMH serves as an indicator of remaining egg supply, decreasing with age. This new test allows for more accurate predictions within 12 to 24 months in women's late 40s and early 50s.
Primary care physicians should discuss 'virginity' testing as part of comprehensive sexual education, building trust and assessing knowledge, attitudes and practice in at-risk patients.
A new study uses an eye movement test to investigate inhibitory control in healthy older adults, confirming a decline in this ability with age. The results show that older participants were more likely to look at the dot when it appeared and slower compared to younger participants.
A new computer algorithm can predict in early pregnancy or before pregnancy which women are at high risk of gestational diabetes. The study analyzed data on nearly 600,000 pregnancies and identified nine parameters that accurately predicted the risk of developing gestational diabetes.
A Danish study found that low lymphocyte counts are associated with a 60% increase in death from any cause. Participants with lymphopenia were at high risk of dying from all-cause mortality, including age-related risks.
A new smartphone camera-based test can identify urinary tract infections in just 25 minutes, potentially making accurate testing more widely available in developing nations. The test uses a smartphone camera and reagents to detect the presence of E. coli bacteria, which is present in 80% of bacterial UTIs.
A new blood test has been developed to measure microRNAs in children's blood, which can indicate sufficient or inadequate sleep. This test may provide a more reliable metric for assessing sleep hygiene and predicting susceptibility to various health conditions.
A new study by UCSF and CDC estimates that millions of young women in the US are undergoing medically unnecessary pelvic exams and Pap tests. The exams can lead to false positives, over-treatment, anxiety, and unnecessary cost.
A new study from Penn Medicine found that direct-to-consumer hormone-based fertility tests for women are both empowering and confusing. The tests, which estimate egg supply or 'ovarian reserve,' are marketed as an accessible option for investigating fertility status but do not predict natural conception.
A study found that nitroglycerin infusion triggers abnormal cardiovascular responses in migraine patients, including higher heart rates and reduced stroke volume. The findings suggest a systemic susceptibility to the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, possibly due to enhanced sensitivity to nitric oxide.
Researchers propose a new computational analysis method that uses keystroke time series data to detect early stages of Parkinson's disease. The method, based on fuzzy recurrence plots, is less physically demanding than traditional testing methods and shows encouraging results.
A new study found that current boxers and MMA fighters experience brain volume loss in areas related to head trauma, while retired fighters show loss in areas linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The researchers found a different pattern of brain changes between younger and older athletes.
The penKid biomarker accurately predicted acute kidney injury (AKI), multiorgan failure, and mortality in unselected sepsis patients at presentation to the emergency department. Increasing penKid levels indicated worsening kidney function, enabling timely treatment decisions that improve outcomes.
A new study published by sphingotec demonstrates that biomarker bio-ADM identifies high-risk patients for septic shock and those requiring immediate life-saving therapeutic intervention. Elevated bio-ADM levels are associated with prolonged ICU stays, fatal outcomes, and distortions in endothelial function.
A new study by a Canadian research team found that office workers who spend long hours on the job are more likely to have high blood pressure, including masked hypertension. The study of over 3,500 white-collar employees revealed a link between long working hours and sustained hypertension.
Combining two rapid diagnostic tests effectively diagnoses chronic Chagas disease in the field, showing a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 96.1%. High prevalence of infection was also observed in the region, highlighting the potential for these tests to detect infected individuals.
Researchers report that two commercially-available rapid diagnostic tests can be combined for conclusive diagnosis of Chagas disease. The tests provided a sensitivity of 97.7% and specificity of 96.1%, outperforming the conventional serological method.
Researchers have developed a handheld, paper-based device to diagnose Lyme disease soon after infection. The assay achieved a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 96.3%, making it more sensitive than existing tests and requiring only 15 minutes to complete.
A new screening method developed by MIT biological engineers can detect DNA damage in cells, which can predict cancer development. The test uses human liver-like cells and has enhanced sensitivity, detecting all nine chemicals tested.
A new study found that over 24 routine blood tests are affected by childhood obesity, including liver function tests and inflammation markers. This discovery could help doctors better interpret test results and provide more accurate diagnoses.
The Physicians Committee awarded Mihael H. Polymeropoulos the Trailblazer Award for his efforts to replace animal tests with human-relevant science. He challenged the FDA's utility of dog studies in drug development and advocated for modern, human-based scientific methods to advance human drug safety.
Researchers at UMSOM are testing a combined Shigella-ETEC vaccine to offer protection against diarrheal diseases, which cause millions of deaths worldwide. The vaccine has been developed with $4.5 million funding from Emergent BioSolutions.
Researchers developed a computer betting game to predict opioid reuse in addiction patients. The game measures comfort with risk-taking and finds sharp increases in scores are associated with high likelihood of reuse within the next week.
A 25-fold increase in UK children's vitamin D supplement prescriptions has been recorded, with high doses and no prior testing common. Most GPs fail to follow nationally set recommendations for vitamin D supplementation.
A new study by Cancer Research UK found that nearly 3,400 patients experienced avoidable delays in their cancer diagnosis. The reasons for these delays are complex and can include long waiting times for tests, vague symptoms, and pre-existing conditions.
A University of Calgary study reveals that short-term radon test kits can be inaccurate up to 99% of the time, highlighting the need for long-term testing kits. The research also sheds light on factors influencing radon levels in Canadian homes, with implications for reducing environmentally-caused cancer.
A new study suggests that standardizing lab test turnaround times could improve patient care by reducing unnecessary STAT orders and increasing efficiency through automation. By cutting usual STAT time in half for most tests, facilities can reduce demand and provide faster results for critical tests.
A study found that only a fifth of UK shoppers know their intraocular pressure, a major risk factor for primary open angle glaucoma. Advertising the eye health check alongside blood pressure testing increased participation.
Researchers developed a novel vaccine that protects against bovine tuberculosis (TB) without interfering with the tuberculin skin test. The new vaccine allows for simultaneous protection and accurate diagnosis of TB in cattle.
Researchers developed a rapid diagnostic method for detecting celiac disease antibodies, offering a promising solution to overcome the vast underdiagnosis of this condition. The new method, called RFS, can provide results in less than half an hour, significantly reducing the time and complexity of current testing procedures.
Choking deaths in US children have decreased by 75% over the past 50 years, attributed to choking hazard regulations. Despite this progress, 184 child deaths occurred in 2017, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
Researchers discovered measurable changes in pupillary parameters following asymptomatic high-acceleration head impacts. The study suggests that nonconcussive head impacts may affect intrinsic brain reflex pathways and reflect biological injuries, paving the way for a potential inexpensive and rapid method of determining brain injury.
A new study found a sharp increase in medical students disclosing disabilities, leading to more accommodations and a potential improvement in patient care. Despite the rise, students with disabilities still represent less than 5% of future physicians.
A secondary analysis of the NRG Oncology clinical trial shows that neurocognitive function (NCF) declines in half of patients with high-risk, low-grade gliomas up to a year after receiving temozolomide-based chemoradiotherapy. However, quality of life (QOL) remains stable or improves in these patients, according to the study.
Researchers developed a mass-producible wearable sensor that can monitor levels of metabolites and nutrients in blood by analyzing sweat. The device is more sensitive than current devices, detecting lower concentrations of compounds like uric acid and tyrosine, which are associated with gout, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
A new clinical trial at Trinity College Dublin seeks to compare the effectiveness of two fetal wellbeing tests, FSS and FBS, in reducing unnecessary interventions during labour. The study has the potential to improve global maternity care by making childbirth safer while minimizing medical interventions.
A University of Seville study found that over 17% of classrooms in Andalusia exceed WHO-recommended CO2 levels, with 42% showing concentrations above 2000 ppm. The research highlights the need for controlled mechanical ventilation systems to improve air quality and student health.
A recent study by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina found that ammonia levels do not predict the severity of disease or guide clinical management of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients. Cirrhotic patients with HE symptoms receive the same lactulose treatment regimen regardless of their blood ammonia levels.
The Developing Talkers program has been successful, with over 6,000 Texas teachers using the adapted programs in their classrooms. The new grant aims to develop and test a more advanced version of the program with 200 kindergarten teachers and 800 students.
A new wetsuit material with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene fibers can help reduce injuries from White Shark bites. The study found that the new fabrics were more resistant to puncture, laceration, and bites than standard neoprene.
Researchers found that certain vegetable and/or meat broths can curb the growth of sexually immature malaria parasites by more than 50% in lab tests. Five broths were effective at stopping disease-causing parasites, with two showing comparable activity to a leading antimalarial drug.