Articles tagged with Medical Tests
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.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that early blood sampling for microorganisms is critical to treating sepsis. Emergency rooms must follow sepsis guidelines, which demand trained personnel and proper equipment, to prevent organ damage and death.
A comprehensive study of intestinal gases has been conducted by UNSW Sydney, examining their interactions with the microbiome and associated disorders. The research highlights the importance of gases in maintaining human health and provides a novel tool for analyzing gastrointestinal gases in vivo.
A new study suggests that popular mobile phone games can provide a tool to detect early signs of cognitive decline, including dementia. The research found that patterns of tap, swipe, and rotational gestures correlate with brain function.
A new study is testing a text-delivered counseling program for young adults with cannabis use disorder. The program, called PNC-txt, aims to reduce heavy cannabis use and improve relationship and memory problems among participants.
Researchers created a biosensor for detecting prostate cancer recurrence with high sensitivity and low cost. The device, like a home pregnancy test, provides immediate results and can help improve patient outcomes.
A recent study found that a standardized medical school exam can bias the entry of diverse and qualified candidates into radiation oncology residency programs. The researchers suggest that using a holistic approach to evaluate applicants could help address these biases, incorporating emotional intelligence and other core competencies.
A study found that combining numeric skills with high confidence leads to improved life outcomes, including better financial stability and health. Higher objective numeracy was associated with better outcomes, but only when paired with higher confidence.
Researchers create new way to detect resistant bacteria, enabling clinicians to reserve stronger antibiotics for most patients. The modified antibiotic can be attached to a sensor surface to detect resistance enzymes, paving the way for rapid diagnostic tests.
A new tablet-based app offers a faster, easier, and more accurate way to assess the cognitive function of people with multiple sclerosis. The app, called iCAMS, reduced test time from about 23 minutes to 14 minutes while producing highly accurate results.
Research suggests that low numeric confidence can wipe out the advantage of having good math skills, leading to poorer financial and medical outcomes. Participants with high confidence in their math abilities had better health outcomes and more stable finances.
Researchers found that 89% of patients had elevated levels of autoantibodies against the adrenergic alpha 1 receptor, suggesting an autoimmune connection to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. A simple blood test could aid in diagnosis, paving the way for easier identification and treatment.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found no connection between 'extreme' pubic hair removal and chlamydia or gonorrhea infections. The study used laboratory-confirmed diagnoses and controlled for potential confounding factors, improving on previous research.
A novel disease mechanism links circulating DPP3 to cardiac and renal dysfunction, with sustained high DPP3 levels associated with reduced cardiac function, impaired kidney function, and increased mortality. The DPP3 biomarker has high potential utility in diagnosing organ dysfunction and predicting outcomes in cardiogenic shock patients.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that providing patients with more testing choices, such as home fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), does not increase participation in colorectal cancer screening. However, framing choice did impact patient decision-making, leading to a decrease in colonoscopy rates.
A new study found that trainee doctors with dyslexia are less likely to pass the UK GP clinical skills exam, especially if they declare it after failing at least once. The research highlights the need for further investigation into the challenges faced by candidates with dyslexia and potential solutions to support them.
Research funded by the British Heart Foundation has challenged a long-held medical myth that women experience unusual heart attack symptoms. According to the study, both men and women present with similar key symptoms, such as chest pain and nausea, highlighting the need for awareness of common warning signs.
A new DNA test can diagnose chlamydia infection in koalas within 30 minutes, providing on-the-spot results and allowing for quicker treatment decisions. The test, developed using the LAMP method, targets a specific sequence of DNA in the bacteria and has been successfully trialled at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
A novel quality improvement toolkit, IRON MOM, has shown to enhance early detection and treatment of iron deficiency in pregnancy, according to a study led by St. Michael's Hospital. The implementation resulted in a nearly 10 times increase in ferritin testing rates and a significant decrease in anemia risk.
A team of scientists developed a technique to coat low-cost paper with a liquid-infused polymer layer, creating a portable lab for field laboratory tests. The coated paper performed significantly better than uncoated paper in terms of fluid delivery and accuracy.
A €4.5 million project, ARREST-TB aims to develop affordable, accurate diagnosis of TB in resource-limited settings. The technology will enable precise treatments and limit disease propagation.
A three-site study in the Blue Marsh watershed found seasonal differences in microbial populations, with increases in warmer months and higher levels of nitrate and phosphate. The researchers used Biolog Ecoplates to test water samples, revealing changes in bacterial counts and chemical profiles linked to human activities.
Researchers at Rutgers University highlight the need for individualized vitamin D guidelines, as optimal levels may vary across ethnic and racial groups. Current tests have limitations, and more standardization efforts are being made to improve accuracy.
A 72-year-old man experienced considerable pain, bleeding, and swallowing difficulties after his dentures got stuck in his throat during surgery. Despite multiple hospital visits and surgeries, he eventually recovered without further complications. The case highlights the importance of removing false teeth before general anesthetic.
A new study found that nearly half of patients with UTIs were not tested for the infection, leading to unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions and increased risk of antibiotic resistance. The researchers argue that doctors need access to rapid diagnostics tests to accurately diagnose and treat UTIs.
A new blood test for coeliac disease has been developed, detecting inflammatory markers in the blood within hours of gluten consumption. This potential diagnostic test could improve upon current methods requiring patients to consume gluten for weeks or months.
Researchers have developed an artificial human eye replica, the blinking eye-on-a-chip, to model dry eye disease (DED). The device mimics the complex pathophysiology of DED, allowing scientists and drug developers to test experimental treatments.