Articles tagged with Medical Tests
Researchers say new diagnostic methods can accurately detect Lyme disease earlier, improving patient outcomes and avoiding severe long-term health problems. The improved tests are less susceptible to false-positive or false-negative results associated with current antibody-based tests.
Researchers from the University of Gothenburg have identified a new method for detecting drug use and disease through analyzing compounds in exhaled breath. The study found that methadone was present in all samples using both methods, but with varying concentrations, highlighting the importance of device design and sampling technique.
A UBC study found that iPhone pedometers missed about 1,340 steps per day compared to a purpose-built accelerometer, highlighting the need for accurate data in health research.
Researchers at Auburn University discovered that both children and adults rely more on their right ear for processing information in noisy environments. The study found that when cognitive demand increases, the right-ear advantage persists in mature auditory systems.
A new quick and portable test can detect iron and vitamin A deficiencies in under 15 minutes, providing a potential solution to the global health problem affecting over one-third of the world's population. The test has the potential to prevent blindness, anemia, and death among children and women.
Researchers found that women with a history of suicide attempts had lower circulating levels of BDNF, a protein critical for neuron function and synaptic activity, compared to those without such a history. This biomarker shows promise in predicting future suicide attempts and may be incorporated into standard blood tests at annual chec...
Researchers found that a blood test for tumour DNA can predict the likelihood of aggressive skin cancer returning, with 33% of patients who tested positive being alive after five years compared to 65% of those who didn't. The study also revealed that patients with faults in genes BRAF and NRAS are more likely to experience a return wit...
A new biomarker test developed by researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center can predict, with up to 90 percent certainty, which chemical compounds can cause DNA damage that could lead to cancer. The test, called TGx-DDI, is based on genes that are actively transcribed in a cell and can identify stress due to DNA damage.
A study found that denying patient requests for services, such as referrals and medication, is associated with lower patient satisfaction. The findings suggest that clinicians' decisions to deny these requests may penalize their patients and negatively impact their experiences.
A new study at Vanderbilt University Medical Center uses a blood test to personalize treatment for smokers. The study found that patients who are 'normal' metabolizers of nicotine respond better to varenicline (Chantix), while those who are 'slow' metabolizers do as well with a nicotine patch.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed microelectromechanical resonators that can detect biological markers in small amounts of blood, allowing for early disease detection and treatment. The test has potential applications in detecting traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other conditions.
Scientists at NIST have discovered a way to make tiny colonies of cells grow in three-dimensional structures inside petri dishes, paving the way for more realistic biological environments for testing pharmaceuticals. The method could help bridge the gap between lab and living creature testing, speeding up drug development.
Researchers have identified a new blood-sugar marker, fructosamine, that can predict patients at highest risk of complications after joint surgery. The test detects changes in glucose control faster than current markers, which could help prevent life-threatening post-surgery complications.
A Mayo Clinic study surveyed neurosurgeons on their attitudes toward ceasing practice and testing in late career. Most disagreed with an absolute age cutoff, while half favored additional testing for neurosurgeons 65 and older. The study highlights the need to focus on patient safety and assess a surgeon's capacity over time.
Researchers compared 11 measures of aging, including blood and chromosome tests, and found that none consistently predicted physical or cognitive changes. Telomere length and epigenetic clocks showed some promise but were less clearly linked to physiological outcomes.
Researchers at UC Davis have created a method to produce all 34 proteins required for mRNA translation in the correct proportions within a single mixed culture. This breakthrough enables rapid and high-purity reconstitution of cellular reactions, making it useful for various applications such as disease diagnosis and drug development.
A new smartphone app has shown comparable results to in-office vision testing for patients with age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. The Checkup app encourages patients to take an active role in their care, sending reminders and storing test results securely.
A new blood test can accurately predict which patients are at risk of liver damage from paracetamol overdose, enabling targeted treatment and reducing hospital stays. The test detects three specific molecules associated with liver damage, allowing for earlier intervention and more effective care.
La Jolla Institute researchers find Histamine-Releasing Factor (HRF) exacerbates both asthma and food allergies. Inhibiting HRF may prevent allergic reactions, offering a new treatment avenue.
A simple colour-changing test developed by researchers at the University of Bath can detect high levels of fluoride in drinking water, which can cause crippling skeletal fluorosis. The test aims to be low cost, rapid, and robust, allowing anyone to perform a test without scientific training.
A new neurostimulator device inserted into the nose has shown significant relief for people suffering from dry eyes, increasing tear production and producing a complete tear. Researchers tested 97 patients with moderate to severe dry eye and reported no side effects.
A low-cost rapid blood test can accurately rule out heart attack risk in nearly half of all patients with chest pain, saving millions from further tests and reducing healthcare costs. The test, which measures troponin levels in the blood, can identify a threshold level below which patients are unlikely to have had a heart attack.
A new study reveals that visual intelligence is a separate entity from general intelligence (IQ), with considerable individual differences among people. Researchers developed a novel test to measure visual object recognition and found that performance on this task was not predictive of IQ.
Researchers have discovered a unique 'breathprint' of people with malaria, allowing for accurate diagnosis using a breath test. The analysis found that infected patients exhale a compound attracting mosquitoes, accelerating disease spread.
Researchers have created a simple, fast and sensitive test system to determine the toxicity of carbon nanomaterials. The system uses a unique enzymatic system called Enzymolum, which reacts differently to various additives.
A study by UC San Francisco and CDPH found that lead in imported candy was the top source of food-borne contamination in California, with nearly all cases coming from Mexico, China, and India. The testing program has identified lead sources upstream, allowing for removal before poisoning can occur.
A recent study found that cloth skullcaps are more effective than disposable bouffant hats in reducing airborne contamination in operating rooms. The researchers tested three types of headgear and observed lower particle counts and microbial shedding with cloth caps, suggesting they may be a better option for minimizing infection risk.
Researchers aim to detect synthetic opioids, heroin, and a heroin substitute in saliva samples from inmates, arrestees, and DUI suspects. This study could save time and money by using a single sample for multiple drug tests.
A study published in The Lancet Public Health found that federal drinking water regulations reduced toxic exposure and protected human health. Compliance with the EPA regulation led to a decline of 17% in levels of urinary arsenic, resulting in an estimated reduction of over 200 cases of lung and bladder cancer every year.
A recent study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A found that individuals who consumed more fruit, vegetables, and wholegrain cereals across their adult lives performed better in physical function tests at age 60-64. Improving diet quality throughout adulthood can have a significant beneficial effect on strength and phys...
Researchers developed a plan to eliminate unnecessary medical testing by providing educational efforts, auditing testing patterns, and harnessing electronic medical records. This initiative aims to reduce medical bills while improving patient outcomes, safety, and satisfaction.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has released a position statement on home sleep apnea testing, emphasizing the importance of a physician's involvement in diagnosing and treating obstructive sleep apnea. The guideline outlines conditions under which a home sleep apnea test can be used for diagnosis.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that live phone calls are significantly more effective at reminding patients to complete and return at-home fecal screening tests for colon cancer. Phone calls outperformed other reminder strategies, including text messages and letters, especially among Spanish-speaking patients.
Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a method to monitor lipolysis in real-time by analyzing exhaled acetone during exercise. The new breath test can detect when the body starts burning fat, allowing athletes to optimize their training regimen.
A new NIH-funded study finds that biomarkers for ovarian reserve do not predict fertility in older women attempting to conceive. Hormone levels linked to menopause onset were also found to have no association with conception rates.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have developed new smell tests that can detect olfactory disorders more reliably than conventional options. The tests aim to identify underlying causes of neurological disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases early on, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
A new test allows accurate, rapid testing for Salmonella, a leading cause of food-borne illness. The test detects the bacteria in environmental and clinical samples, reducing diagnosis time from five days to 24 hours.
A new test developed at Caltech can identify antibiotic-resistant bacteria in as little as 30 minutes, allowing doctors to choose the most effective antibiotics. The test has been proven accurate with a 95% match rate, and researchers hope to expand its use to other types of infections.
A long-term study of 3,000 adults found that those who couldn't identify four out of five common odors were more than twice as likely to develop dementia. The study's lead author notes that the sense of smell is closely connected with brain function and health.
New research reveals up to 40% of children with hearing loss have capacity for higher language levels, challenging current assessment methods. Therapists can recognize mismatches at young ages and intervene to bring children up to their ability.
The Vype ePen database presents comprehensive scientific test results, showing the product has a lower toxicity profile than traditional cigarettes. Clinical and population studies indicate efficient nicotine delivery, reducing harm and increasing quit rates.
Scientists have developed a rapid and sensitive fingerprint test to detect cocaine use, showing 99% effectiveness. The test uses paper spray mass spectrometry and can be completed in minutes.
Researchers at NIST create a rapid test that senses mechanical fluctuations of bacterial cells and detects response to antibiotics, potentially hastening effective medical treatment and limiting drug-resistant bacteria. The new technique can quickly determine whether an antibiotic combats a given infection.
Researchers at Yale University found that individualized diets based on food sensitivity testing significantly improved symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome compared to a placebo. The study suggests that tailored dietary approaches may be a viable alternative to traditional treatments.
A new tablet-based technology uses video monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation (afib), a condition that affects over 3 million Americans. The system, which requires no user action, will be compared to the gold standard ECG patch in a clinical trial to determine its accuracy.
Researchers from RIKEN and University of Tokyo created ultra-thin photovoltaic devices coated with stretchable and waterproof films. The new device has shown strong energy efficiency, resistance to water, and durability under compression, opening the way for wearable solar cells.
Researchers have developed a 20-minute test to assess cognitive capacities of patients with schizophrenia, including short-term memory and organisational skills. The test, known as EPICOG-SCH, allows for improved daily functioning and can be easily administered by healthcare professionals.
A study at Children's National Hospital found that starting discharge education early, using a classroom setting and attuned communication improve parents' satisfaction with the NICU discharge process. The initiative boosted timely communication by 36% and improved satisfaction scores.
According to the Global Burden of Disease study, viral hepatitis causes over 1.34 million deaths worldwide, exceeding chronic infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis.
Resistance levels to cefixime and ciprofloxacin have decreased, while azithromycin resistance remains high. The dual therapy of ceftriaxone and azithromycin is still effective, but its use contributes to the rise in cephalosporin susceptibility.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed test strips for cancer detection that can identify minute concentrations of biomarkers using nanoparticles. The new technology adds a thin skin of platinum to gold nanoparticles, making it easier to observe changes on the test strip and increasing accuracy.
The new 'science camera' system enables accurate measurements of optical absorption spectra of colored liquids or optically scattered spectra of solid objects. This technology has significant potential for developing countries where access to healthcare is limited.
Experts debate the value of an online screening test for depression, with some arguing it could prompt informed conversations with clinical professionals and provide potentially helpful resources. However, others express concerns about inadequate treatment resources and misuse of data, warning that unregulated screening may cause harm.
A new UBC study found that joining a running group can help individuals successfully quit smoking, with half of participants able to stop smoking after completing a 10-week program. Participants who stuck it out showed significant improvement in mental health and reduced their smoking habits.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine successfully transported medical samples 160+ miles using a drone, setting a new delivery distance record. The flight maintained temperature control, ensuring the samples were viable for laboratory analysis after landing.
A 67-year-old man developed cyanide poisoning after taking apricot kernel extract daily for five years, exceeding safe levels by 25 times. The case highlights the risks of consuming unregulated herbal supplements and the importance of proper medical evaluation.
A new research paper suggests that human cell- and computer-based test methods can help identify chemical respiratory allergens, which cause serious immune reactions. These methods have the potential to speed up testing, lower costs, and reduce animal testing.
Australian hospitals have adopted two new protocols for assessing chest pain, which were developed by Professor Louise Cullen and Professor William Parsonage. The Accelerated Diagnostic Protocol (ADP) was found to identify low-risk patients correctly, reducing emergency department length of stay from 292 minutes to 256 minutes. The IMP...
A new test invented by researchers at the University of Waterloo can detect E. coli in drinking water in under three hours and at a cost of 50 cents, improving water safety globally.
A study found that older adults with poor sense of smell are more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those who perform better on the test. The researchers also found a stronger link between poor smell and disease in men, but not in women. The test could help identify people at greater risk up to six years before diagnosis.