Articles tagged with Medical Tests
The Association for Molecular Pathology published consensus recommendations to validate next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based oncology panels. The guidelines address NGS test development, optimization and familiarization, and best practices for establishing test performance characteristics.
A study found a strong association between TV advertising for testosterone therapies and increased testing, new prescriptions, and treatment initiation. The increase in testosterone use was particularly notable among men without clear indications for treatment.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego School of Medicine identified a new approach to treat depression by inhibiting the brain enzyme Glyoxalase 1 (GLO1). The study showed that inhibiting GLO1 alleviated depression symptoms in mice, with faster results compared to conventional antidepressant Prozac.
Researchers at NIMBioS developed a more sensitive test for detecting paratuberculosis in cattle, shedding light on the early stages of the disease. The new macrophage-based assay produces reliable diagnoses and could be a game-changer for controlling the spread of the disease.
New study reveals commonly recommended first aid actions for jellyfish stings can actually increase venom injection, leading to more severe pain and scars. The team recommends rinsing with vinegar or plucking tentacles off with tweezers as alternative treatments.
A new study has developed a score called the Intermountain Chronic Disease Risk Score (ICHRON) that uses routine blood tests and age to measure future risk of chronic disease. ICHRON predictions are 77-78% accurate in identifying patients who'll be diagnosed with a chronic disease within three years.
The new test classifies samples into common ABO and Rh blood groups in under 30 seconds after two simple steps, with high accuracy rate even for rare blood types. The test's rapid turnaround time makes it ideal for resource-limited situations such as war zones or emergencies.
A study of 9,410 women without prior childbirth found that fetal fibronectin levels and transvaginal cervical length had poor predictive performance for spontaneous preterm birth. These tests are often used to identify women at risk of preterm birth, but their accuracy is lower than expected.
A study published in JAMA found that in-patient rehabilitation following knee replacement surgery did not improve mobility at 26 weeks post-surgery. Patients who received a monitored home-based program showed similar results as those who underwent inpatient rehab.
Two common tests for predicting preterm birth in first-time pregnancies failed to identify most cases, according to a large NIH study. The tests involved measuring cervical length and testing for fetal fibronectin, but neither method was found to be effective for widespread screening.
Researchers tested over 10,000 women and found that transvaginal cervical measurement and fetal fibronectin tests do not accurately predict preterm birth. The studies findings challenge the use of these tests in routine screening for low-risk pregnancies.
The new guideline recommends that polysomnography be used for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea in patients with significant cardiorespiratory disease or other complicating conditions. Home sleep apnea testing is recommended only for uncomplicated adult patients with increased risk of moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Research found that individual physicians' spending patterns have a limited impact on patient outcomes, with no difference in readmissions or mortality rates between low- and high-spending physicians. The study analyzed data from Medicare patients aged 65 and older who were hospitalized for nonelective conditions between 2011 and 2014.
Researchers at UMass Amherst are creating an improved diagnostic test to help track symptoms and diagnose patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. The two-year project aims to detect subtle changes in sensory and motor function, enabling early treatments to slow disability progression.
A study examining the optimal timing for screening sleep apnea in patients who have had a heart attack found that initial tests conducted shortly after hospitalization are somewhat unreliable. Repeating the test or delaying it until six months later may be necessary to make an accurate diagnosis and avoid unnecessary treatment.
A large national study suggests that treating pregnant women for mildly low thyroid function does not improve the IQs of their babies or reduce preterm births. The results, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, found no benefit in treating the women during their pregnancies.
A recent study suggests that a ketogenic diet can protect against gout flares in rats by increasing levels of ketone bodies and inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome. This could potentially improve treatment outcomes for humans with the disease.
Researchers developed a new relative potency testing program to study the potency of vaccines for tropical diseases. The program found that the Na-GST-1/Alhydrogel Hookworm Vaccine was potent over 60 months of storage, with increased potency in humans living in endemic areas.
Researchers have developed a new technology using light to continuously monitor a surgical patient's blood, providing real-time status during life-and-death operations. This technology has the potential to replace the need for doctors to wait while blood is drawn and tested, potentially saving lives in intensive care settings.
Researchers found that an initial diagnosis of acute kidney injury may have been inaccurate for many patients, as the current method of assessing kidney function may be misleading during the initial evaluation. The study identified sets of biomarkers in mouse models that could potentially detect kidney damage more reliably.
A one-off bowel screening test can prevent more than half of potential bowel cancers from developing and reduce deaths by two-thirds. The test is effective in reducing cancer deaths for at least 17 years, according to a study published in The Lancet.
A study found that former NFL players had motor functions within normal range and no significant relationship between head impacts and movement disorders. While they didn't have severe problems with motor skills, those with worse scores on thinking tests were more likely to experience issues.
A new study from the Center for BrainHealth at UT Dallas reveals that a gist reasoning test is more sensitive than traditional tests in identifying cognitive deficits in TBI patients. The test, which requires participants to summarize complex texts, accurately identified 84.7% of chronic TBI cases.
A new test using peripheral vision reaction time can identify mild traumatic brain injury with underlying brain damage, leading to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment. The test is an objective, inexpensive, and rapid assessment that detects patients with a severe underlying injury.
A new study maps where US patients appear more ill than they are, highlighting the impact of diagnostic intensity on population health. Researchers found that areas with more aggressive medical practices tend to have higher health scores, while less aggressive areas have lower scores.
A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine analyzed data from over 9,000 children and adolescents to identify those with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The research found that a simple aerobic capacity test can determine which children have worse cardiovascular health and should undergo an intervention program.
The Joslin Diabetes Center is participating in two NIH-funded clinical trials to test artificial pancreas systems that automatically monitor and regulate blood glucose levels. If successful, the trials could lead to regulatory approval for use of these devices, improving glucose control and reducing diabetes self-management burden.
Researchers found that high cortisol levels in hair samples tracked closely with standard diagnostic techniques for Cushing Syndrome. The study's findings suggest that hair analysis may prove useful as a less-invasive screening test or confirmatory tool for the condition.
The study aims to understand the long-term neurologic effects of mild TBI and other deployment-related conditions. It will analyze the impact of TBI on thinking ability, memory, mood, and focus, as well as explore biological factors that influence outcomes.
Researchers have identified Mycobacterium chimaera bacteria transmission from contaminated cardiac surgery machines in Australia and New Zealand. The infection can cause serious illness but may be treated with antibiotics, according to a new test developed by the University of Melbourne team.
Researchers found significant differences among dialysis testing methods, which can lead to inaccurate information and expensive nutritional interventions. They recommend revising federal guidelines to address the inconsistencies and improve care for patients with end-stage kidney disease.
A new study suggests a simple blood test can differentiate between Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonism disorders as accurately as a spinal fluid test. Researchers found that concentrations of neurofilament light chain protein in the blood can discriminate between these diseases.
Researchers at CWRU are testing a portable blood-adhesion monitor for sickle cell disease patients. The device aims to predict vaso-occlusive crises and help patients better manage their condition, potentially reducing physical and financial costs.
A mathematical model of bovine tuberculosis transmission from cattle to cattle and cattle to humans was used to analyze the cost and effectiveness of interventions in Morocco. The results showed that using a more conservative cutoff for a positive skin test could lead to cheaper and quicker elimination of the disease.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a groundbreaking, portable tuned mass damper that reduces structural vibrations by up to 75% in tests. The device is compact, affordable, and easy to integrate into building designs, making it an accessible solution for reducing unwanted movements.
A new study has developed a mirror game test using computer avatars to accurately detect specific variations in patient movement and social interaction, showing comparable results to clinical interviews and neuroimaging methods. The test may provide an affordable and effective device for early diagnosis and management of schizophrenia.
A study found that current reprocessing techniques for flexible endoscopes are not consistently effective, with organic residues often remaining. Visual inspections and cleaning verification tests are necessary to ensure all endoscopes are free of damage and debris before reuse.
A study found that patients with renal dysfunction upon admission are more likely to die while hospitalized and have lower chances of being discharged home. Those with normal kidney function have better short-term outcomes, according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) test.
Researchers synthesized mono/di-halogenated coumarins and evaluated their anticancer activity against UACC-62, MCF-7, and PBM cell lines. The test compounds CMRN1-CMRN7 strongly suppressed cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in cancer cells.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a tiny device that uses sound waves to create whirlpools to gather proteins and other biomarkers from blood, urine or saliva samples. This innovative technology has the potential to form the basis of a small, inexpensive point-of-care device for early disease diagnosis.
A recent study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice found that oncologists often avoid discussing prognosis with their patients due to a cultural norm. By pausing to ask if patients want to talk about test results, oncologists can create an opportunity for more holistic discussions about life and death.
A NIH-sponsored clinical trial found that mindfulness meditation combats anxiety by reducing stress-hormone and inflammatory responses. Participants who took a mindfulness course showed big drops in these markers, whereas those in the control group experienced worsened responses.
A collaborative effort to improve CFD methodologies for evaluating medical devices has developed two benchmark models with robust experimental data. The study shows that 57% of simulation predictions were within one standard deviation of measured values, but more work is needed to develop widely-acceptable hemolysis solvers.
The ACA expanded insurance coverage and access to care for patients with chronic medical conditions, but nearly 1 in 7 remained uninsured. Home sleep testing was found to be as effective as lab testing in managing obstructive sleep apnea.
Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid develop innovative 3D bioprinting technology to produce living human skin, which can be used for transplantation and product testing. The breakthrough technology replicates natural skin structure and uses human cells, eliminating animal-derived collagen.
A study on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) found that 44% of patients were under-treated, while only 19% received recommended medication regimens. Patients who were under-treated had fewer exacerbations, indicating that ignoring guidelines may be beneficial in certain cases.
Researchers found that approximately one-third of adults with a previous asthma diagnosis couldn't be re-diagnosed due to spontaneous remission or misdiagnosis. The study also highlighted the importance of objective testing to confirm asthma diagnosis, suggesting that failure to use these tests may lead to misdiagnosis.
Researchers found a correlation between parents' and babies' vitamin levels, with water-soluble vitamins higher in infants and fat-soluble vitamins in parents, particularly mothers. The study suggests tears could be used to replace clinical tests, potentially improving access to nutritional assessments for at-risk populations.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to determine the minimum number of people required for a good vaccine trial. Testing candidate vaccines on larger groups can accelerate the discovery of an effective vaccine against malaria, ultimately leading to its elimination.
A new urine test can quickly detect whether a person has a healthy diet by measuring biological markers created by the breakdown of foods. The test provides an instant indicator of whether a person is eating healthily, promising to revolutionize the way we assess diet quality.
A new study found that Medicaid expansion is associated with increased insurance coverage and improvements in asthma treatment, BMI screening, pap testing, and blood pressure control. Care quality also improved on seven measures, including care for asthma, pap testing, and hypertension, particularly among Hispanics.
An international expert workshop has outlined a strategy for reducing and replacing animal use in acute systemic toxicity testing. The report, published in Toxicology In Vitro, presents recommendations including gathering high-quality reference data and global harmonization.
Researchers designed a new diagnostic tool that measures gene activity in skin samples to predict disease progression of autoimmune diseases like systemic sclerosis. The test, called the SSc Skin Severity Score, can distinguish between patients who are improving and those who are not 12 months after treatment begins.
Researchers at OIST have created a novel sensor that detects biomolecules more accurately than ever before, using the additional function of measuring mass. This allows for more confident encapsulation of disease-detecting biomolecules within microfluidic platforms.
Researchers at UConn School of Medicine developed a new hearing test to identify binaural processing deficits in individuals with normal or near-normal audiograms. The study found that listeners with essentially normal clinical hearing test results may exhibit substantial deficits in binaural processing.
A reliable blood test can identify prion disease before symptoms appear, allowing for non-invasive diagnosis and potentially preventing transmission through blood transfusions. Researchers successfully detected abnormal proteins in the blood of presymptomatic donors with 100% accuracy.
Researchers discovered that sexually produced offspring were more than twice as resistant to infectious disease as their clonal sisters. The study used the waterflea, an organism that can reproduce both ways, and found that sex has large-scale benefits that make a difference to the next generation.
Preliminary research suggests that using a commercial brand of mouthwash can help kill off gonorrhea bacteria and control its spread. Daily rinsing with the product reduced viable gonorrhoea in the throat by 52% compared to saline solution.
The Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) has published a joint guideline to standardize the interpretation and reporting of sequence variants in cancer. The guidelines aim to improve patient care by establishing standardized classification, annotation, interpretation, and reporting conventions for somatic sequence variants.
A team of UCLA researchers has developed an automated diagnostic test reader for antimicrobial resistance using a smartphone. The device connects to a phone and conducts testing on up to 96 wells, with results returned in under one minute.