Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A new test for club drugs like ketamine can detect low levels of drugs in urine and plasma, making it faster, easier, and cheaper to identify them. The test uses gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and can detect amounts of the drug as low as 5 nanograms per milliliter.
Researchers at the University of Montreal have developed a new, non-invasive approach to detect concussions in young football players. The method uses a dual-task assessment and markerless motion capture system to establish a unique profile for each player in just seven minutes.
A new study from Group Health Research Institute shows that mailing yearly stool kits to patients boosts lifesaving screening for colon cancer. The approach increased screening rates from less than four in 10 to over half of patients who had never had a colonoscopy and were overdue for screening.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University found that thyroid cancer detection assays may not accurately measure two major biomarkers. The proteins tend to clump together, making it difficult to detect the true levels of thyroglobulin and galectin-3. By adding a step to break up these clumps, the tests could be made more accurate.
Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have identified a crucial enzyme in maintaining telomere length. The discovery was made using a novel method called ADDIT, which found that ATM kinase plays a vital role in lengthening telomeres.
A new study found that Mycoplasma genitalium, a previously unknown sexually transmitted infection, affects up to 1% of the UK population aged 16-44. The infection was more prevalent among those with multiple sexual partners and in areas of higher deprivation.
A new UCLA-led study suggests that wrist fractures in postmenopausal women can predict a higher risk of future fractures, particularly spine, upper arm and lower arm fractures. The research highlights the importance of developing strategies to prevent subsequent fractures after an initial wrist fracture occurs.
A new study published in Food Research International found that eating vanilla yoghurt can make people feel happy due to the pleasant surprise of tasting a different flavor. Researchers discovered that yoghurts with lower fat content also elicit stronger positive emotional responses.
A recent study found that nearly a third of adults with severe mental illness were not screened for diabetes, highlighting the need for improved integration of behavioral health and primary care. The study suggests that addressing barriers to screening in vulnerable populations is crucial.
A study found low rates of laboratory monitoring for patients with heart failure following MRA initiation, with only 7% receiving appropriate testing. Key factors associated with increased monitoring included atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease.
A new study by the University of Colorado shows that sleep deprivation can lead to impaired insulin sensitivity. The longer people are awake during their biological night, the worse their sensitivity to insulin becomes, according to the study's findings.
Scientists at British American Tobacco have proposed a new assessment framework for innovative nicotine and tobacco products. The four-stage process evaluates lab-based testing, clinical trials, real-world observations, and individual and population perception.
A team of psychologists and engineers from SMU and the University of Maryland have received a $2 million NIH grant to create a wearable device for pediatric asthma patients that monitors air quality and identifies individual triggers. The device aims to alert patients before an attack, improving treatment outcomes.
A new study suggests using contingent screening could detect higher proportions of affected pregnancies, but parental choices limit its impact. Only 60% of women considered high-risk after standard first-trimester screening choose cfDNA testing, resulting in a limited effect on live births with trisomy 21.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic reveals that only one in five US pancreatic cancer patients receive the CA 19-9 tumor marker test at diagnosis, which can help predict treatment outcomes and guide personalized treatment. The test eliminates negative effects on survival when chemotherapy is administered before surgery.
Antiepileptic drugs may progressively impair balance in patients, increasing the risk of falls and related injuries. Long-term use can lead to significant changes in balance function over time.
The study found that households using the test kits had a consistent reduction in dust mite allergens over the course of the 12-month study period. A significant number of parents reported adopting behaviors to reduce dust mites after seeing their test kit results, such as using special pillow covers and vacuuming with HEPA filters.
A literature review suggests that spontaneous knee effusion, also known as 'water on the knee,' can be an early symptom of Lyme disease, which can progress to more severe symptoms if left untreated. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are crucial in preventing long-term damage.
The special issue presents research on optimizing human performance in the military through physical fitness and injury prevention. Key findings highlight the importance of balanced fitness programs, sleep health, physical activity, and nutrition behaviors in improving soldier readiness and effectiveness.
A new urine screening method can detect even small amounts of chemicals resulting from secondhand marijuana exposure, addressing the challenge of assessing health effects. The developed method is 10 to 100 times more sensitive than current tests and could be used for large-scale population studies.
A new study suggests that lower doses of parabens, commonly found in personal care products, may stimulate breast cancer cell growth at concentrations 100 times lower than previously thought. The researchers also found that parabens can interact with other agents to increase breast cancer risk.
A study found that patients with glaucoma can adapt their visual scanning behavior to compensate for impaired vision and pass a standard driving test. By making more frequent head and eye movements, they can improve traffic safety and potentially be granted a driver's license in some countries.
Researchers found that male mosquitoes are lured to traps emitting sounds similar to female wing-beats. The frequency used was around 484 Hz, capturing over 95% of males exposed to it. This method could enhance studies and mosquito control in developing countries.
The new system monitors five substances, including glucose and lactate, and can detect up to 40 molecules in real time. This reduces the need for invasive monitoring devices, providing a practical advantage for medical staff and loved ones.
Researchers identified GlycA, a molecular byproduct of inflammation, as a predictor of premature death due to infections. High GlycA levels indicate chronic inflammation, which damages the body and increases susceptibility to severe infections.
A blood test that detects Alzheimer's disease presence has shown promise in early detection, allowing patients to make beneficial lifestyle changes to slow or halt disease progression. This discovery provides hope for those affected by the disease, enabling them to take proactive steps before symptoms emerge.
The Autism & Beyond app, developed by Duke University researchers, uses smartphone questionnaires and video analysis to gather information about children's development. The six-month study aims to detect early signs of autism and other developmental disorders, with the potential to provide broader access to mental health screening.
A home monitoring device for AMD showed promise in patients who completed a qualification test, allowing them to track progression at home. Younger participants were more likely to qualify and successfully use the device.
A new scoring system for a common lung cancer diagnostic test has been developed, allowing physicians to more accurately assess the risk of malignancy. The EBUS-TBFNA procedure provides an accurate positive diagnosis of lung cancer 84% of the time and an accurate negative diagnosis of 68%.
A recent study published in Nitric Oxide found that consuming beet juice rich in nitrates can restore reduced blood vessel function at high altitudes. This natural substance helps the body acclimatize to lower oxygen levels by converting nitrate into nitric oxide, which improves blood vessel relaxation.
Ben-Gurion University and MIT researchers developed a highly sensitive and cost-effective technology for rapid bacterial pathogen screening of air, soil, water, and agricultural produce. The new method outperformed traditional methods substantially, detecting pathogens within a day of receiving samples.
Researchers identified a troponin threshold below which patients are at very low risk of heart attack and may be eligible for early, safe discharge. Using this approach could reduce unnecessary hospital admissions and provide substantial cost savings.
A study by Cancer Research UK found that adding extras like gloves and 'poo catchers' to the bowel cancer screening kit can increase participation rates. The London study saw a rise in uptake from around 43% to 54% among 60-74 year olds, with nearly 26,000 extra people taking up screening in London alone.
A new grant will test Interactive Virtual Decision Support for End of Life and Palliative Care (INVOLVE) with 270 patients at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. The technology aims to alleviate stress and regret in families making critical-care decisions.
A $3.3 million multicenter study will track head impact exposure in over 3 million youth football players across the US. The research aims to improve helmet design and detect injuries earlier with advanced instrumentation, including sensors in helmets and mouthguards.
A new portable device can accurately screen for marine toxins in shellfish, allowing for quick testing on boats and at remote locations. This innovation solves a pressing problem for the fishing industry, enabling safe sale and consumption of tainted shellfish.
A major study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has identified a 21-gene test that can determine which breast cancer patients can safely avoid chemotherapy. The test, called Oncotype DX Recurrence Score, analyzes tumor samples and assigns scores between 0-100, indicating the risk of cancer recurrence.
A mobile app collected data from over 150 participants, showing that a majority of people eat for 15 hours or longer. The study aimed to test whether reducing daily food intake duration impacts health and found that time-restricted feeding can lead to weight loss and improved energy levels.
Researchers at the University of Montreal developed rapid and inexpensive medical diagnostic tests using DNA molecules. The new technology detects protein markers linked to various diseases and can be used to build point-of-care devices for quick medical diagnosis, potentially impacting global health.
A team of scientists developed a new system using stem cells to model features of the developing human brain that could be targeted by toxic chemicals or drugs. The approach, described in PNAS, uses machine learning to build a predictive model from RNA sequencing data collected from neural tissue constructs exposed to different chemicals.
Researchers found that obesity-related immune cell changes appear early, particularly in African-American girls. The study suggests that blood tests could be used to identify teens at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future.
A new catalyst developed by Michigan Technological University researchers has improved the sensitivity of the PSA test for prostate cancer detection. The palladium-iridium catalyst is 110 times more sensitive than traditional peroxidase-based tests, reducing false negatives and potentially delaying treatment.
A new treatment protocol has been shown to improve outcomes for infants born in withdrawal from drugs, resulting in shorter hospital stays and reduced opioid treatment durations. The protocol, developed by the Ohio Children's Hospital Neonatal Research Consortium, increased adherence rates and improved overall patient care.
A vision test that involves rapidly reading numbers can detect concussions in 86% of athletes. The King-Devick test was effective when combined with balance and cognition assessments.
Researchers have developed a new technique to produce a faithful mimic of the in vivo liver inside a scalable fluid-handling device. The chip-based model demonstrates proof of principle for toxicology tests and opens up potential use in drug testing and personalized medicine.
The American Gastroenterological Association recommends testing all newly diagnosed cases of colorectal cancer to identify Lynch syndrome, a genetic disorder that increases the risk of colorectal and endometrial cancers. Regular surveillance colonoscopy is also recommended for individuals with Lynch syndrome.
Researchers have developed a new risk assessment scoring system to stratify risk for advanced neoplasia in asymptomatic adults. The study found that patients with lower risk scores may be suitable for less invasive tests such as sigmoidoscopies or occult blood tests.
A study in JAMA found that many EHR products fail to meet usability standards, leading to user frustration and safety risks. Only 22% of certified vendors used at least 15 participants with clinical backgrounds in their usability tests.
A new UC Davis study found that molecular tests, commonly used in US hospitals, often misdiagnose patients with C. difficile infection, leading to over-treatment and potential harm. The study suggests that traditional toxin tests are more effective in predicting clinical disease and outcomes.
Researchers from Queen Mary University of London found declining numbers of Bovine TB infections in Scotland and Wales, while England's approach is unlikely to succeed. More frequent testing led to effective control of the disease, with a significant decline in infections.
Children's Cancer Institute Australia has been awarded close to $2 million to test new drugs in preclinical models of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) under the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Consortium (PPTC). The PPTC will facilitate the acceleration of effective drugs into clinical trials.
A large study of individuals with autism found that both men and women with the condition performed similarly to typical males on an empathy test. This result supports the 'extreme male brain' theory, which predicts lower empathy scores in individuals with autism compared to females.
A recent report by SATHI reveals that many Indian doctors are under pressure to perform expensive but unnecessary tests and surgeries to meet financial targets, putting patient safety at risk. The BMJ argues that a radical change is needed in the structure and functioning of the Medical Council of India.
Researchers at Durham University have identified the remains of 17th century Scottish soldiers found in mass graves, using a combination of scientific data and historical information. The skeletons were buried in two pits on the University's site, dating back to between 1625 and 1660, with isotope analysis showing likely Scottish origin.
Research reveals HIV testing trends among adults aged 50-64 are not sustaining gains after CDC's 2006 recommendation. Testing rates remain low at around 3.7% despite risk behaviors remaining constant, underscoring the importance of patient advocacy for older adults
A study of over 5,000 people found that subtle elevations in cardiac troponin T levels can predict future hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. The test may help identify those at risk for hypertension and allow for earlier intervention with lifestyle changes or medication.
Researchers develop an antigen-sensitive hydrogel integrated into a small wireless sensor to detect early surgical site infections in orthopedic implants. The test has the potential to guide therapy, improve outcomes and reduce readmissions and costs associated with implant-related infections.
A recent study suggests that early transient newborn hypoglycemia may be associated with lower fourth-grade achievement test scores. The research, published in JAMA Pediatrics, found that newborns who experienced low blood sugar levels had decreased literacy and mathematics proficiency rates at age 10.
A recent study found that coagulation tests used to monitor internal bleeding in patients taking blood thinners like Xarelto and Eliquis may not be reliable. The tests, such as prothrombin time (PT), PTT, or INR, were found to be elevated in a minority of cases but appear unreliable to measure the risk of internal bleeding.
Bacteria can become highly resistant to antibiotics when exposed to their environment in the body, not just in lab tests. The study suggests incorporating animal models and biochemical environments into antibiotic development to improve accuracy.