Articles tagged with Medical Tests
Researchers at Vanderbilt University developed a low-cost, smartphone-based diagnostic system using nanoscale porous silicon to detect various bodily fluids. The system accurately detects proteins in urine and bacteria in water with accuracy comparable to commercial benchtop measurement systems.
Researchers used exosomes to detect microRNAs targeting carbohydrate metabolism in obese teens. The study found a link between altered adipocyte-derived exosomal microRNAs and progression from obese normoglycemia to hyperglycemia/diabetes.
A new analysis of 997 twin pregnancies reveals that cell-free DNA testing for Down syndrome is just as accurate as in singleton pregnancies, with a detection rate of 98% and only 0.05% misdiagnosis rate. The study provides compelling evidence to recommend cfDNA testing for mothers carrying twins.
A new blood test that measures multiple proteins could provide a more accurate diagnosis of heart failure, allowing for earlier treatment and improved outcomes. Researchers are now collecting further samples to confirm the accuracy of this protein-based test.
Research reveals two distinct brain regions involved in recognizing raw and processed foods, highlighting the importance of semantic memory in identifying key characteristics. The study's findings have significant clinical implications, particularly for understanding eating disorders related to neurodegenerative diseases.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that nonfasting lipid levels were similar to fasting lipid levels in the same individuals, predicting cardiovascular risk just as well. The results suggest it may be unnecessary for most patients to fast before having bloodwork done to measure lipid levels.
Researchers developed a device that uses ultraviolet light to measure stress biomarkers in bodily fluids, providing an easy-to-interpret result. The device can be used to monitor health and detect potential health problems, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
A new study found that middle-aged individuals' health can predict their brain function later in life. Factors such as smoking, diabetes, and a history of head injury were associated with increased risk of brain aging.
A new study from the University of Cambridge suggests that virtual reality can spot navigation problems in early Alzheimer's disease, a condition affecting over 525,000 people in the UK. The research highlights the potential of new technologies to help diagnose and monitor conditions like Alzheimer's.
Researchers found similar patterns of diagnostic laboratory tests across five countries, despite differences in poverty levels and disease prevalence. The top 25 most common tests were common everywhere, with biochemical tests being the lowest priced.
The Johns Hopkins researchers advocate for a 'digital health scorecard' to provide objective validation and ratings for health technology solutions. They aim to address the lack of rigor in evaluating health care technology, which often prioritizes speed over safety and clinical effectiveness.
Researchers used cognitive dysfunction tests and analysis of drug use patterns to identify patients at high risk of relapse after treatment. The study suggests that a revised classification system may be needed to better predict vulnerability to relapse.
A new CDC study cautions that sports whistles used by referees, coaches, and others are a risk factor for hearing loss. The study measured the acoustic signature of 13 whistle brands, finding sound levels between 100-120 decibels, which can exceed safe daily exposure within just a few seconds.
Scientists have developed a new test to examine a drug's embryotoxicity in cell cultures instead of animals. The test uses human liver tissue and embryoid bodies, allowing for early detection of substances harmful to embryos.
A joint report from AMP and CAP provides evidence-based recommendations for designing and validating clinical CYP2C9 assays, promoting standardization and improving patient care. The report defines a minimum set of alleles and their variants that should be included in all clinical CYP2C9 genotyping tests.
A study of gay and bisexual men in Melbourne found that kissing, with or without sex, was associated with a higher risk of throat gonorrhoea. The researchers suggest that this may be an important route of transmission, potentially leading to new preventive options.
Researchers compared common bedside testing platforms to determine blood clotting speed and found the iSTAT platform offers a better balance of speed and accuracy. The Hepcon system provides consistent results with lab-based anti-Xa tests but lacks physiologically active heparin levels, making it less valuable for patient care.
Researchers investigated whether taking aspirin before a fecal immunochemical test could improve the ability to detect cancer precursors. The study found no statistically significant difference in detection rates between those who took aspirin and those who took a placebo.
Researchers developed a microchannel trapping device to detect bacteria in patient samples quickly, reducing testing time from days to minutes. The device can classify bacteria into three main shapes and identify antimicrobial susceptibility directly from clinical samples.
A digital procedural checklist for trauma centers has been developed and implemented, supporting trauma teams without hindering performance. The checklist, which includes over 55 tasks, was designed through years of collaborative research and testing, and its use in real trauma settings showed positive results.
A survey of fourth-year radiology residents who took the 2018 ABR Core Exam found that those who passed perceived higher value in preparation resources. Residents who passed also had more study time off and higher USMLE step 1 scores compared to those who failed.
Scientists have identified three specific subtypes of precursor cells that go on to become fat cells, which may help determine an individual's health risk. The discovery could lead to the development of new treatments that target 'fast burning' fat cells to prevent weight gain and metabolic disease.
Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine have created a blood test that can flag the disease, which currently lacks a standard diagnostic test. The test successfully identified participants in a study with chronic fatigue syndrome and is being used to screen for potential drugs that may help treat the condition.
The number of gonorrhoea cases in the EU/EEA has risen by 17% in 2017, with over 240 cases per day, largely due to antibiotic resistance. The majority of cases are reported among men who have sex with men, and women are increasingly affected as well.
A hospital electronic health record system with diagnostic stewardship strategy reduced inappropriate GI test use by 46% and saved up to $168,000. The hardwired alerts and 'hard stop' feature improved care without compromising quality.
A study from Yale University finds that low mobility is a significant predictor of hospital readmission in older heart attack patients. Patients who took more than 25 seconds on the Timed Up and Go test were nearly twice as likely to be readmitted after a heart attack.
A team at Vanderbilt University is developing 'safe harbor' standards of care based on scientific evidence to reduce defensive medicine and its consequences. The project aims to lower healthcare costs, improve quality of care, and decrease patient exposure to radiation.
Researchers developed ELISAtools to limit variability in research-use-only assay kits, enabling more consistent results over time. The software provides a stable platform for comparing data from different kits, reducing variability by up to 90%.
A large study found that moving more is linked to living longer, with a 2.8% reduction in all-cause mortality for each milliliter increase in maximal oxygen uptake. The benefits of fitness were seen in men and women across all age groups and fitness levels.
Researchers found commercially available fish preparations for skin prick testing varied greatly in allergen content, leading to false negative results and potential life-threatening consequences. The team is working on advanced diagnostics and therapy for seafood allergy.
A color test developed at University of Technology Sydney can accurately detect all cathinones, a new illicit synthetic drug entering the market every four days. The test is now commercialized and being marketed to police and customs agencies in Europe, offering a solution for detecting new psychoactive substances.
A new urine test using nanoparticles that detect early enzyme activity of immune cells attacking cancer has received a major funding boost from the National Institutes of Health. The test can identify immunotherapy effectiveness very early, helping doctors adjust treatment and combat resistance.
A new blood test has been shown to diagnose pre-eclampsia on average two days sooner than current methods, reducing serious complications by 20%. The test measures placental growth factor (PlGF) in a woman's blood, enabling clinicians to provide timely and targeted care.
Researchers use metal nanoparticles to detect single target molecules in paper-based tests, overcoming limitations of conventional dyes. The results enable ultra-sensitive diagnostics with limitless applications in medicine, forensics, and environmental safety.
A new male oral contraceptive, 11-beta-MNTDC, has been found to decrease sperm production while preserving libido, according to a phase 1 study. The drug produced hormone responses consistent with effective contraception and had few mild side effects.
A study found that community pharmacy-based type 2 diabetes screening is cost-effective and can increase early diagnoses by 3.3 years. Researchers suggest targeting high-risk patients to improve the service's cost-effectiveness.
Researchers from University of Surrey investigated public attitudes towards new Faster Diagnosis Standard (FDS) for Cancer, finding participants valued reassurance and support from GPs as highly as speedy referrals. GPs will need clear guidance to support patients under the new standard.
A new study presented at ENDO 2019 found that the A1c test used to diagnose diabetes tends to underestimate its prevalence. The test missed detecting 73% of diabetes cases compared to the oral glucose tolerance test, highlighting its limitations.
A randomized clinical trial found that financial incentives, including a $10 gift and a chance at winning $100, did not increase the completion rate of mailed colorectal cancer screening tests. The overall FIT completion rate was nearly 29 percent.
Researchers found that mailing FIT kits directly to patients increased completion rates by 24-29% within two-six months. Financial incentives did not significantly improve results. The study suggests framing and context of incentives can be more important than their dollar value, highlighting the principles of behavioral economics.
Researchers found that people with PAD had a lower Omega-3 Index compared to those without the disease. The study suggests that omega-3s may play a role in preventing the development of PAD. Further studies are needed to determine whether long-term use of omega-3 supplements can prevent PAD.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) has released updated guidelines for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB), suggesting that testing should be limited to high-risk patients. This shift aims to reduce unnecessary antibiotic treatment and minimize the risk of promoting antibiotic resistance.
A new breath test could diagnose gastrointestinal damage in children without invasive procedures, reducing trauma and costs associated with oesophageal testing. The trial uses a Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) enzyme found in the small intestine to measure gut health.
A team of researchers discovered the chemicals responsible for the distinctive smell of Parkinson's disease using a 'super smeller'. The finding could lead to an early diagnosis and monitoring of the condition. Hippuric acid, eicosane, and octadecanal were identified as biomarkers in sebum samples from patients with Parkinson's.
The new in vitro method allows scientists to easily screen different compositions of the carrier liquid and concentration of particulates, reducing mouth residue and making swallowing easier. This innovative test is expected to help develop novel medicines that improve the lives of people with difficult swallowing capabilities.
Researchers developed an in-vitro test method to assess fluid handling properties of SAP wound dressings, improving understanding and marketing of products. The validation will aid the development of new products, increasing confidence in clinical performance.
A mathematical model using simple blood tests and birth weight can accurately estimate gestational age without ultrasound, offering a solution to measure preterm birth rates in low-resource countries. This approach has been validated with over 1,000 pregnant women in Bangladesh and is being implemented in other countries.
Researchers found a potential predictor of (future) Alzheimer's disease in eye fluid, linking low amyloid-β and tau protein levels to lower cognitive scores. The study suggests that proteins in the eye may be accessible for an affordable test to predict future AD.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a blood test that can reliably detect fibromyalgia by identifying unique biomarkers in the blood. The discovery has the potential to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes for patients with this often-misdiagnosed disease, which affects millions of Americans.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have created a continuous-monitoring device that tests sweat as effectively as blood, providing data over time to track health trends. This breakthrough technology holds promise for noninvasive testing and personalized care, paving the way for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that men with high neuroticism are more likely to experience adverse events after prostate cancer surgery, such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence. The study suggests that personality tests may be a valuable tool for identifying at-risk patients and improving care.
A new test for identifying how single bacteria react to antibiotics could help slow down antibiotic resistance by targeting the right treatments more quickly. The test, which can analyze hundreds of bacteria at once, examines multiple properties and detects the signature of each bacterium in one hour.
Researchers developed a rapid, non-invasive urine test to diagnose preeclampsia, with an accuracy rate of 86% compared to other biochemical tests. The 'Congo Red Dot' test can provide results within three minutes, allowing for early detection and treatment, thereby reducing maternal deaths and premature births.
Researchers found that one in 20 patients had troponin levels higher than the recommended limit, but most were being treated for other conditions. The study highlights the need for medical staff to carefully interpret troponin levels to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology reveals that physical fitness is a stronger indicator of survival in older adults than traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Higher fitness levels were associated with significantly increased rates of survival, even among those with multiple risk factors.
Researchers have developed an app that uses a smartphone camera and photoplethysmography signal to detect diabetes, showing promise for early detection and encouraging further testing by healthcare providers. The app was tested on over 54,000 individuals and correctly identified people with diabetes in over 72% of cases.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that DMT microdosing helped rats overcome a fear response associated with anxiety and PTSD, while also reducing immobility in tests measuring antidepressant effects. However, the regimen caused weight gain in male rats and neuronal atrophy in female rats, highlighting potential risks.
Researchers developed a blood test to predict spontaneous preterm birth, focusing on proteins found in first-trimester blood samples. The test shows promise for identifying women at increased risk of preterm delivery, particularly among first-time mothers.
Researchers developed a new blood test that can identify individual molecules in human blood samples with minimal detection errors, including rare cancer-associated proteins like mutant p53 and PD-L1. This breakthrough enables accurate disease diagnosis and novel insights into cancer mechanisms.
Researchers debunked a common misconception that millions of people have an antibiotic allergy. Studies show that only 10% of reported allergies are true, and many lose their allergy over time.