Articles tagged with Medical Tests
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.
A new DNA methylation test has been shown to accurately predict which cases of precancerous cervical disease will become more serious, helping women decide on treatment options. Most women with moderate dysplasia can be safely followed without surgery until their disease resolves.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a simple pressure pump made from balloons and nylon stockings that can be used to test water contaminants and blood samples. The low-cost device has been tested in various experiments, including detecting aquatic parasites and cancer cells.
A study of nearly 3,400 second-year resident physicians in the US found that 45% experienced burnout symptoms, which may contribute to care disparities and racial bias towards black people. The observed association was small to medium and cannot be determined as causal.
The American College of Emergency Physicians warns that generic mobile phone chargers can cause serious injuries, including burns and electrocutions. Teens and adolescents are particularly at risk due to their frequent mobile device use.
A study by North Carolina State University found that drivers tend to overlook low-salience targets when high-salience hazards are present in traffic images, with low-salience targets being up to 40% less likely to be detected in two-hazard scenes.
A study of over 900,000 VA patients found that routine blood tests with random plasma glucose levels below 200 mg/dL can accurately predict the development of diabetes. Patients with high glucose levels are more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes in the future, making this test a valuable tool for early intervention and prevention.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Anaesthesia found that people with diabetes taking gliflozin medications are at risk of ketoacidosis during surgery. Euglycaemic ketoacidosis can be deceiving, presenting with normal blood sugar levels, and may be missed easily by clinicians.
A recent study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that pregnancies among women taking isotretinoin continue to occur despite a special restricted distribution program, iPLEDGE. The study reported a range of 218-310 pregnancies per year after 2011, highlighting the need for further regulations to reduce this number.
Researchers created a comprehensive test using machine learning algorithms to better guide patient management for pancreatic cysts, a precursor of pancreatic cancer. The test, called CompCyst, outperformed the current standard-of-care in an international study, avoiding surgery in 60% of patients who underwent unnecessary removal.
A large retrospective study found that statins are significantly underutilized in patients with and at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Despite known benefits, only two-thirds of these patients were receiving moderate/high-intensity statins.
Researchers found that young athletes who fail to achieve a 90 percent score on quadricep strength tests are at increased risk for second knee injuries. Those who failed individual return-to-sport criteria were three times more likely to suffer contralateral ACL tears.
A study of over 150 youth tackle football players found minimal changes in neurocognitive outcomes after two seasons, with no correlation between head impacts and cognitive function. Other factors like ADHD and younger age were more predictive of worsening scores on pre- and post-season tests.
A new optical sensor developed at Berkeley Lab can provide reliable information on building damage immediately after an earthquake. The Discrete Diode Position Sensor (DDPS) measures interstory drift and will speed up efforts to safely assess, repair, and reoccupy buildings post-quake.
A recent study published in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases reveals that female Anopheles mosquitoes bite more often and have varied diets than previously assumed. The study also found that certain species of Anopheles mosquitoes, typically considered less important for malaria transmission, are infected with the Plasmodium parasite.
A new blood test has shown potential to diagnose human tuberculosis and identify those at most risk of developing the disease. The test, Actiphage, was found to be highly sensitive in detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis, with 73% of participants testing positive for the bacteria.
A new breakthrough in sensor technology uses a one-molecule-thick coating to improve detection of diseases and detect doping in sports. The coating, based on beta-cyclodextrin, produces sensors around ten times more sensitive than existing ones, allowing for earlier diagnosis and detection at lower concentrations.
A Kumamoto University study found that drinking Matcha tea can reduce anxiety by activating dopamine D1 and serotonin receptors. The anxiolytic effects were stronger with extracts derived using 80% ethanol than those using hot water.
A new epidemic forecast model developed by Texas A&M researchers can accurately predict disease trajectories by taking into account human behavior. This allows for more effective resource allocation during outbreaks, reducing the risk of over-preparation and public mistrust.
A new ultrasensitive chemiluminescence-based method has been developed to rapidly detect Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes. This test can be carried out in the field and requires no containment laboratory, significantly faster than conventional methods.
A new iPad app, mPATH-CRC, will be tested in North Carolina and Kentucky clinics to increase colorectal cancer screenings. The project aims to determine the optimal way to implement technology-based programs to improve medical care delivery.
A review of 117 efforts to reduce low-value care found that most measured only the reduction of test and treatment use, while few assessed intended patient benefits or unintended consequences. Only half of ongoing studies aim to measure patient-reported outcomes, highlighting a need for more comprehensive evaluation.
A new protocol implemented at Montgomery Hospital resulted in a 25-hour reduction in patients' time on broad spectrum antibiotics, saving $322,508 over four months. The interdisciplinary approach combined comprehensive blood culture identification testing with pharmacist recommendations to optimize antibiotic use.
A new study proposes a novel, non-invasive test for assessing gut function that may help screen and monitor treatment of gut diseases. The test measures the concentration of gut bacterial products in patient's blood and stool, detecting gut leakage and its potential impact on IBD and other intestinal diseases.
Researchers at Penn State's Sensory Evaluation Center found that milk significantly reduces capsaicin burn, with whole milk and skim milk showing the largest reductions. Milk's effectiveness is attributed to its protein content, which may play a more relevant role than fat content.
Researchers found that levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL) in the blood contribute to stroke risk in diabetic patients. The study discovered a strong association between NfL levels and stroke occurrence, suggesting that adding this protein to existing stroke risk scores can increase accuracy.
A new intelligent liver function test has been developed to detect liver disease decades before it can become fatal. The test has shown a 44% increase in diagnosis of liver disease, giving patients earlier access to treatment.
A new biomarker test developed by researchers at Uppsala University and Sahlgrenska Academy can detect women without cancer, reducing unnecessary surgery. The test has a high accuracy rate of one in three cases, increasing the detection of early stages and borderline cases.
A human-on-a-chip model developed by Hesperos, Inc. realistically replicates the responses of cancer treatments, enabling more accurate and efficient preclinical testing. The model demonstrated efficacy and toxicity of anticancer drugs on various cell lines, informing treatment decisions for individual patients.
A Texas Biomed Associate Professor has received a $100,000 grant to test an FDA-approved drug for reversing age-related cognitive decline and memory deficits in aged baboons. The study aims to develop a therapeutic intervention to enhance brain cell function and improve overall health.
A study of 5,704 patients with MS found that those with pediatric-onset disease had lower test scores and faster declining cognitive abilities. Patients with pediatric-onset MS were also more likely to experience cognitive impairment compared to those with adult-onset MS.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a test for early detection of diseases, including different types of cancer, using sensory nanoparticles. The test can identify unique
Scientists have developed a method to transport individual droplets using transverse surface waves, enabling more efficient applications in lab-on-a-chip systems and self-cleaning surfaces. This technology also opens up possibilities for harvesting moisture from the air and improving blood tests.
A new approach is needed for clinical trials in dialysis patients to address high morbidity and mortality. Innovative RCT designs, such as pragmatic clinical trials and adaptive platform designs, can improve the success of testing interventions in ESRD.
Researchers found almost 60% of patients were over 65, and nearly a third lived in socio-economically deprived areas. The study also revealed high rates of the disease in regions with previously low numbers of cases, including Canterbury and Hawkes Bay.