Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A new patch developed at Washington University in St. Louis increases fluorescence intensity by 100 times, making it easier to visualize and diagnose low-abundance analytes. The plasmonic patch is a cheap fix that can be applied to existing diagnostic tests without requiring any protocol changes.
A recent study found that antibiotic susceptibility assays may yield unreliable results due to variations in inoculum levels. The findings suggest that clinical microbiology laboratories must adhere closely to standardized methods and target inoculum levels to obtain accurate testing results.
The University of Hong Kong research team developed a C-reactive protein sensor integrated onto a medical catheter, enabling real-time CRP sensing with a thickness less than one micrometer. This allows doctors to take immediate actions, speeding up testing and curing of inflammation by 30 times.
The unique properties of horseshoe crab blood make it invaluable for drug and safety testing, but over-harvesting poses significant risks to the species' health and ecosystem. Alternative tests and conservation strategies are needed to ensure a sustainable supply.
A new blood test can determine an individual's internal clock, allowing for personalized drug administration and more effective treatment. The test identifies biomarkers that reliably report internal time, differentiating early and late types.
A recent study found that most adolescents with gynecomastia do not require routine endocrinology assessment and hormone laboratory testing. Most cases of gynecomastia can be identified without such testing, according to the study.
The USPSTF updates its recommendation on screening for osteoporosis to include bone measurement testing for prevention of osteoporotic fractures in eligible populations. Approximately 12 million individuals in the US older than 50 years are expected to have osteoporosis by 2020.
Researchers have developed a new method to diagnose oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) earlier, using the mechanical properties of cancer cells. By testing the relaxation behavior after stress release, they found that OSCC cells are 'softer' and exhibit faster contraction than benign cells.
Researchers found that maximal running shoes increase impact peak and loading rate in female runners, associated with higher injury risks like plantar fasciitis and tibial stress fractures. Maximal shoes feature increased cushioning, but this may lead runners to rely more on the shoe rather than their own internal structures.
A Delaware team has developed a blood test that can identify spastic cerebral palsy (CP) patients with 73% accuracy, using DNA patterns in circulating blood cells. The study's findings have significant implications for early diagnosis and intervention.
A new screening tool has been developed to help diagnose early cognitive decline in dementia, which can develop into Alzheimer's disease in 30-50% of people. The test uses simple sound and flash detection on a laptop or phone and may be used to improve early diagnosis and provide interventions.
Researchers developed a new blood test that uses Raman spectroscopy to estimate the age of victims and suspects. The test was able to distinguish between different age groups with high accuracy, making it a potentially useful addition to current forensic science techniques.
Researchers have discovered a glycoside called arbutin, extracted from the bearberry plant, that can break up kidney stones. The molecule has shown remarkable ability to dissolve kidney stones in pre-clinical studies, offering a potential new treatment option for patients.
A new blood test for autism has been validated for its exceptional success, predicting autism spectrum disorder with 88% accuracy in a second trial. The test uses an algorithm to analyze metabolites in a blood sample, offering a potential solution to lower the age of diagnosis and improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Leicester developed a new method to determine the effectiveness of the Men B vaccine against various meningococcal strains. The approach directly tests blood samples from patients with meningococcal disease, allowing for more accurate assessments of vaccine protection.
Researchers found that positive results for glucose and HbA1c in one blood sample are a highly accurate predictor of diabetes and major complications. The study suggests a single blood sample may be sufficient to diagnose diabetes, potentially reducing the need for repeat tests.
Researchers use droplet-sized miniecosystems to simultaneously test antibody binding affinity and cell function, reducing the drug discovery process. The new method enables scientists to select functional antibodies directly with phage display.
Researchers at QUT have developed a new grass pollen allergy test using Swiss nanotechnology, which can quickly identify individuals at risk of allergic diseases. The test, supported by the National Foundation for Medical Research and Innovation, uses a finger prick blood sample and provides results within 15 minutes.
A study published in Nature and Science of Sleep found that concurrent elevations of haemoglobin A1c, C-reactive protein, and erythropoietin in the blood may indicate obstructive sleep apnea. These biomarkers proved superior to standard screening methods, particularly in non-obese males.
A new device developed by the University of Bath and Universidad de los Andes has been tested with an indigenous community in Colombia, providing a simple and real-time way to test water systems. The device measures key physico-chemical variables and monitors heavy metals, aiming to prevent the spread of water-borne diseases.
A new, fully automated blood drawing and testing device has been created by Rutgers researchers, providing rapid results and improving hospital workflows. The device uses an image-guided robot to draw blood from veins and incorporates a centrifuge-based analyzer for highly accurate test results.
A new test can identify patients in intensive care units who are at greatest risk of developing secondary infections, including those caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The test uses markers on immune cells to create a 'risk profile' for individuals, which can help target therapies and improve the success of clinical trials.
A new study by UTSA researchers describes a quick and accurate method for detecting infections using an electrochemical approach. The method, which uses a testing strip, can determine the severity of an infection in a person and is faster than current methods.
The study found that on-site pathology testing reduced the need for medical evacuations by up to 35%, resulting in estimated total cost savings of $21.75 million per year. This technology enabled early diagnosis, treatment, and evacuation for critically ill patients in remote communities.
A recent study found that half of ICU patients with severe influenza received false negative rapid influenza antigen test (RIAT) results, delaying antiviral therapy. The researchers suggest that testing lower respiratory tract samples is crucial for diagnosis and treatment in such cases.
A new blood test identified biomarkers in maternal blood that accurately predicted gestational age and preterm delivery, which may help doctors assess pregnancies more effectively. The study's findings offer hope for preventing premature birth, a crisis affecting millions of babies worldwide each year.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center identified two biomarkers that indicate patients likely to develop osteolysis, a condition causing joint loosening and potential revision surgery. These biomarkers can be detected up to six years before diagnosis.
Researchers at Rutgers University developed an end-to-end blood testing device that combines robotic phlebotomy with downstream sample processing. The device has the potential to expedite hospital workflows, reducing turnaround times and improving treatment outcomes.
A study by Joslin Diabetes Center researchers has found a correlation between long-term type 1 diabetes and mild cognitive decline, particularly in memory. The decline is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a DNA test that can detect liver cancer with high accuracy, outperforming current methods. The test uses abnormal DNA markers found in liver cancer tissues and has been shown to detect over 90% of patients with curable stage tumors.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai have identified a link between the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas in the gut and diarrhea in patients with small intestine bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A new four-gas breath test device is being developed to improve diagnosis and treatment for these conditions.
A new blood test using cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyC) can rapidly rule out heart attacks in more people than the standard troponin test, freeing up hospital bed space and resources. The test is sensitive enough to give an almost immediate diagnosis, which could save hundreds of thousands of pounds per UK hospital every year.
A study of nearly 10,500 US prostate cancer patients found that more frequent PSA monitoring did not improve long-term survival rates. The research suggests that once-a-year monitoring may be sufficient for most patients.
A new scoring criteria, INSPECT, aims to improve identification of high-quality proposed research that promotes the uptake of evidence-based practices in real-world settings. The tool was tested on 30 grant proposals, showing promising results but highlighting the need for education and training in implementation science.
Researchers from Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center presented data on a prospective clinical trial examining non-small cell lung cancer cells' response to immunotherapy. The study showed promising results with progression-free survival, and early data gathered from more than 20 sites has shown encouraging outcomes.
A study found that cost was the strongest factor in decreased desire for diagnostic testing, with patients willing to forego tests due to financial burden. Implementing financial considerations to alter testing behavior may be necessary to address this issue and improve healthcare outcomes.
Scientists have developed a method to track biological samples using RFID chips, which can withstand extreme conditions and identify organoids grown from stem cells. This technology has the potential to advance drug testing and transplantation by providing real-time data on organoid health.
A study found that handgrip strength is linked to lung capacity in older Korean women. Testing handgrip strength could be a good way to identify potential impaired lung health.
The American Cancer Society recommends earlier colorectal cancer screening for average-risk adults beginning at age 45, based on research showing an increased incidence of CRC in younger adults. Colorectal cancer incidence has declined steadily over the past two decades in people 55 and older due to screening.
The poll found that only about half of people aged 50 to 80 have set up an account on a secure online access site, or 'patient portal,' offered by their health care provider. Despite the benefits of patient portals, many older adults are uncomfortable with electronic interactions and prefer telephone contact with their providers.
Researchers from Israel and Japan collaborated to diagnose a child with an ultra-rare genetic disease caused by a mutation in the EPT1 gene, which is essential for making myelin in the normal brain. The team found that the disease affects PE production, leading to reduced plasmalogen synthesis, but not enough to prevent myelin damage.
A UTA engineer has developed computer tests and games that track individual brain functioning, providing a more objective measure of brain performance. The technology aims to help people make smarter decisions about their brain health and impacts daily life.
The collaboration aims to use clinical insights to fine-tune early device testing, focusing on preclinical support, proof of concept studies, de-risking medical device translation, and rapid prototyping. Tufts CTSI and MIT will provide resources and expertise to research teams to efficiently turn device concepts into testable prototypes.
A new study by the University of British Columbia suggests that teachers can strengthen students' memories without causing assessment fatigue. The researchers found that students who were tested on a portion of their study material performed better on other, related questions - even if they weren't included in the initial test.
A Loyola Medicine survey found that 15.8% of adult burn patients screened positive for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The study highlights the importance of identifying patients who may benefit from mental health assessment and intervention.
Researchers compared two tests for assessing learning deficits in multiple sclerosis (MS), revealing clear differences in performance. The Open Trial Selective Reminding Test (OT-SRT) identified all participants as impaired, while the California Verbal Learning Test II (CVLT-II) only identified 34% as similarly impaired. Differences in...
A new blood test can detect liver damage in 30-45 minutes, distinguishing between healthy and damaged individuals. The test could lead to earlier treatment and potentially save millions of lives.
Researchers created a 'quick and robust' blood test that can detect liver fibrosis, the first stage of liver scarring, from a blood sample in 30-45 minutes. The new method uses polymers coated with fluorescent dyes to bind to blood proteins, offering a simple and inexpensive way to diagnose disease.
A new test developed by UCSF scientists can predict a woman's risk of preterm birth with over 80 percent accuracy when taken between 15 and 20 weeks pregnant. This information enables doctors to treat women at high risk for preterm birth, potentially preventing severe complications.
Asthma management is complicated by heterogeneity and variability, making it difficult to implement optimal strategies. The role of physicians in managing asthma complexity is particularly challenging, requiring knowledge, dedication, and experience.
Research shows that even healthy-weight boys have become less fit over the past 20 years. The study measured aerobic fitness in 11-year-old boys and found a decline in heart rate recovery, indicating poorer cardiovascular health.
Researchers have created a model to capture subtle differences in urine flow patterns using high-speed photography, which can help diagnose urethral strictures. The team plans to develop an app that allows patients to record and analyze their own urine flow images.
A recent case report documents how a patient's use of biotin supplements caused clinically misleading test results, prompting multiple consultations and unnecessary testing. The study highlights the need for caution when using biotin supplements, as they can interfere with certain lab tests.
A simple visual screening tool, VAT, shows increased predictive value for dementia risk when combined with MMSE score declines. The tool may help identify older adults at increased risk of developing dementia.
A study found that late HIV diagnoses remain high, prompting the need for expanded testing. HIV diagnoses are increasingly being made outside of traditional sexual health clinics.
A randomized clinical trial found that students who received eyeglasses earlier in the school year outperformed those who got them later, leading to improved math scores. The study highlighted the importance of access to vision care services for children with poor vision in rural China.
Researchers at NIST are creating a virtual reality test bed to develop user-friendly interfaces for firefighters, law enforcement officers, and other emergency responders. The goal is to enable faster development, testing, and deployment of these interfaces, reducing risk exposure in real emergencies.
A recent study published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology found that large variability in urine concentrations makes it impossible to determine an administered dose from a single untimed urine sample. This highlights the need to reconsider the use of urine tests for detecting salbutamol doping, as many violations will go unn...
Scientists developed a new laboratory test to diagnose peanut allergies with high accuracy and safety. The mast activation test (MAT) measures biomarkers associated with allergic reactions and can detect peanut allergy in children as young as six months old.
A study found that individuals with chronic anxiety exhibited increased nerve activity in response to physiological and mental stressors, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. The research team measured sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure in volunteers with and without anxiety.