Articles tagged with Medical Tests
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.
A new guideline from the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care recommends against routine screening for thyroid dysfunction in nonpregnant adults without symptoms or risk factors. The evidence suggests that this type of screening has no health benefits and may lead to unnecessary testing, medication, and follow-up appointments.
A randomized clinical trial found that providing HIV self-tests increased HIV testing and diagnosis among men who have sex with men. The study also improved rates of viral suppression and reduced stigma around HIV testing.
Researchers at University of Queensland have discovered markers in blood that differentiate benign moles from melanoma, as well as detect cancer spread to other areas. The blood test may monitor very early signs of the disease, allowing for better screening of patients with eye naevi.
Researchers developed a speech-based mobile app that can categorize a patient's mental health status as accurately as or better than humans. The AI system assesses speech samples, compares them to previous samples and the broader population, and rates the patient's mental state.
A new biomarker blood test has identified adults with mild hypertension who are at higher risk for cardiovascular events without symptoms. The test detected slight elevations in protein biomarkers in approximately one-third of these individuals, who were more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes, or congestive heart failure.
A new study found that limited access to lupus lab tests in developing nations, particularly ANA tests, affects the usefulness of SLE diagnosis. The lack of testing, especially immunologic and hematologic studies, leads to discrepancies in diagnostic criteria adherence. The 2019 ACR/EULAR classification criteria performed better than o...
Women are disproportionately affected by penicillin allergies, with a significantly higher rate of positive skin tests and reactions. Direct oral challenges without preliminary testing can safely rule out penicillin allergy in low-risk children, allowing them to have the allergy label removed from their medical records.
Researchers created a Liver-Chip using Organs-on-Chips technology to predict liver toxicity across species. The platform accurately assesses the liver-specific effects of various drugs on liver cells from rat, dog, and human sources.
The American College of Physicians recommends screening for colorectal cancer in adults at average risk who do not have symptoms. The recommended screening frequency varies depending on the chosen strategy, with options including fecal immunochemical tests, colonoscopy, and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that vaping 'high CBD, low THC' cannabis products can result in positive urine drug test results. Two out of six participants tested positive for THC after vaping a batch containing 10.5% CBD and 0.39% THC.
A new study found that a blood test for CA125 levels can detect ovarian cancer in women with suspicious symptoms, with 10% of those with high levels diagnosed with the disease. The test also revealed higher risks of other cancers, such as pancreatic and lung cancer, among older women
A simple saliva test can identify recent spice use in five minutes, helping health professionals diagnose and treat patients. The test also provides information on the type of spice used and concentration.
Brown University researchers are testing neighborhood-based intervention strategies and fentanyl test strips to combat the opioid epidemic. The PROVIDENT project aims to predict which neighborhoods are most at risk for opioid overdoses and deliver targeted interventions. Meanwhile, the RAPIDS project evaluates the effectiveness of fent...
A national survey of physicians found that 99% have experienced care cascades, causing patients psychological harm, physical harm, and financial burden. Physicians report waste of time and effort due to cascades, emphasizing the need for guidelines and patient education.
A new study found that less than 20% of Canadian patients with chronic kidney disease received a critical urine test within six months of diagnosis, highlighting a significant gap in care. The test is crucial for assessing the severity of kidney disease and guiding treatment.
The assay has a clinically relevant 5-day turnaround time and can be conducted on as little as 20 ng genomic DNA. It requires minimum input of tumor DNA without the need for matched normal and is histology agnostic, addressing pre-analytical variability.
A new rapid assay for Lyme disease uses several biomarkers to detect infection and is more sensitive than current tests when diagnosing early after suspected infection. The research could lead to a practical test for healthcare providers.
Incorporating physical exercise into school lessons boosts test scores and overall educational outcomes, with significant effects on attention and learning, while increasing physical activity levels
A new blood test increased diagnoses of women with heart attacks by 42%, but the gender gap in treatment remains. Women were 50% less likely to receive recommended treatments after a heart attack diagnosis.
A rapid microfluidic test can diagnose Lyme disease with similar performance to the standard 2-tiered approach in a much shorter time. The test uses a combination of three proteins to identify antibodies specific to the B. burgdorferi bacterium in the serum.
A new blood test has been developed to accelerate brain cancer diagnosis, distinguishing patients with brain cancer from healthy individuals correctly 87% of the time. The technology uses infrared light and artificial intelligence to identify the signs of cancer in a blood sample.
Researchers created a test using tumor organoids to predict how patients with advanced colorectal cancer respond to chemotherapy treatment. The test correctly classified 80% of patients treated with irinotecan, suggesting it could help identify those who won't benefit from toxic chemotherapies.
A new rapid testing method is being used to improve antibiotic treatment for sepsis patients, enabling medical teams to make quicker and more targeted therapy choices. The study found that providing rapid drug susceptibility information can lead to better patient outcomes and less unnecessary broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
Researchers at UC Davis developed a breath test that can detect opioid drugs in exhaled breath, providing a non-invasive alternative to blood tests. The test was tested on patients receiving pain medications, showing promise in tracking medication usage and detecting potential overdose risk.
Researchers found that multigene testing for all patients with breast cancer can be a cost-effective approach, reducing healthcare costs and improving patient outcomes. The study compared the cost-effectiveness of multigene testing to selective testing based on family history or clinical criteria.
Experts advise against routine bowel cancer testing for everyone aged 50-79 due to small benefits and potential harms. However, men and women with a risk of 3% or more in the next 15 years should consider screening.
A novel light waveform approach can solve two major challenges in microresonator development, enabling compact frequency combs that can be used in medical tests and other applications. This technology has the potential to greatly expand the range of applications for frequency combs.
A new study by the University of Michigan found that interprofessional collaboration and on-the-job training significantly improve linkages to HIV testing and primary care. This can help decrease HIV transmission and promote viral suppression among vulnerable populations.
A smart shirt has proven to be accurate in measuring breathing, with results similar to traditional equipment, according to European Respiratory Society research. The Hexoskin senses chest movements and records air volume, heart rate, and movement, making it a practical alternative for monitoring lung function.
Researchers at Intermountain Medical Center found that wrist-worn step trackers can estimate exercise capacity and determine health status of patients with pulmonary disease. This technology allows for more frequent monitoring of patient progress and disease management, enabling early interventions to improve outcomes.
The American Gastroenterological Association has released a clinical guideline that helps healthcare providers identify appropriate tests to evaluate patients with suspected functional diarrhea. The guideline recommends considering fecal calprotectin or lactoferrin, testing for Giardia, and ruling out celiac disease.
Researchers have developed a laser incubator for blood that can slash incubation time to just 40 seconds, improving pre-transfusion testing and saving lives. This technology has the potential to prevent fatal blood transfusions in critically ill patients and detect antibodies in pregnant women.
Researchers found that neuropsychological tests have predictive value for everyday life activities in individuals with MS. However, non-cognitive variables and person-specific factors also play a crucial role in evaluating the impact of the disease on daily functioning.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a handheld device that can detect methanol in alcoholic beverages and diagnose poisoning by analyzing exhaled breath. The device uses a small metal oxide sensor to distinguish between methanol and ethanol, with detection limits down to the legal limit.