Articles tagged with Medical Tests
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.
A systematic review found modafinil enhances cognition in non-sleep-deprived individuals, particularly on complex tasks. The drug improves decision-making, planning, and mood, while having minimal side effects.
A saliva test for stress hormone cortisol may identify healthy older adults at risk of cognitive decline, with higher evening cortisol levels linked to smaller brain volume and poor memory skills. The study suggests a potential link between cortisol's toxic effect on the hippocampus and dementia risk.
IU School of Medicine researchers have developed biomarkers and apps that can predict the risk of suicide in individuals with bipolar disorder and other psychiatric illnesses. The tests, which use RNA biomarkers from blood samples along with questionnaire instruments, were able to predict suicidal ideation with over 90% accuracy.
A new test for liver cancer is being developed based on analyzing the stable isotope compositions of rocks and minerals. The researchers found that patients with HCC have enriched quantities of certain isotopes, such as copper-63 and sulphur-32, in their blood compared to normal controls.
A new test measures changes in calcium isotope ratios to monitor bone diseases like osteoporosis and multiple myeloma. The test, validated on NASA space shuttle astronauts' blood samples, shows promise for near-time monitoring of bone health.
Innovative healthcare approaches test many new ideas quickly and cheaply to promote better patient care. Techniques like 'vapor tests,' 'fake front ends,' and 'fake back ends' are used to validate ideas in real-world contexts, preserving patient safety and improving outcomes.
A new research study found that people often feel embarrassed when buying sensitive healthcare products privately and online, such as home test kits and medications for incontinence and sexual dysfunction. This discovery has important ramifications for retailers who offer online environments for these purchases.
Psychologists at Cardiff University developed a reliable adult self-assessment test to measure repetitive behaviors in autism. Adults with an autism diagnosis consistently scored higher on this measure than those without an autism diagnosis, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic tool.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that people with low scores on a test of executive function may be at higher risk for heart attacks or strokes. The research found that those with lower scores were 85% more likely to experience a heart attack, and had a 51% higher risk of stroke.
A proof-of-concept study at Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that drone transport of blood samples has no effect on common lab tests. The successful transportation of sensitive biological samples via hobby-sized drones holds promise for improving healthcare access in remote areas.
A continuous quality improvement (CQI) approach was introduced to 30 sites across Uganda to improve voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) quality. The initiative led to significant improvements in compliance with national standards, with teams using a 53-indicator quality assessment tool to measure progress.
A study found that older participants were more efficient in their search tasks despite taking longer to complete them, suggesting new ways to support consumers of health information. Younger participants used an analytical approach to find the desired results.
Neurology researchers evaluated evidence-based tests for clinical cognitive assessment, recommending improvements to determine differential diagnoses and guide intervention. The study aims to enhance quality in cognitive assessment by providing insights on selecting tests for the Neurobehavioral Status Exam.
A study of 148 college athletes found that men and women experienced similar cognitive impairments after a concussion, but women reported more symptoms and had poorer cognitive performance. The research suggests that further study is needed to understand the differences in concussion impact between genders.
The Mobile Bridge Version 4.0's viability was tested on a real river, showcasing its practical use with minimal personnel and no foundation work required. The bridge's scissor-like structure allows for efficient expansion and contraction while maintaining strength.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that introducing rapid diagnostic tests in registered drug shops in Uganda reduced overdiagnosis of malaria by 73%, improving the use of valuable malaria drugs. The introduction of these tests improved treatment with artemisinin-based combination therapies, increasing appropriate treatment by 36%.
The MoveSense app uses a smartphone's sensor data to continuously monitor oxygen saturation levels, enabling accurate tracking of cardiopulmonary fitness. The app can predict patient stability and alert doctors to potential health issues, providing a new tool for managing chronic diseases.
A 10-point questionnaire, known as the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), is more effective than measuring blood alcohol level in detecting patients with at-risk drinking behaviors. The study found that up to 50% of trauma patients have alcohol in their bloodstream, and brief interventions can lead to a 50% reduction in...
A recent study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals, hold implicit biases towards lesbian women and gay men. The study used the Sexuality Implicit Association Test to assess attitudes towards sexual orientation among over 200,000 p...
A study of approximately 500 older adults found that two-thirds who screened positive for cognitive impairment refused diagnostic assessment. Living alone was a significant factor, as well as negative preconceptions about dementia stigma.
Researchers discovered that children with autism spectrum disorder exhibit a unique sniffing pattern when exposed to pleasant or unpleasant odors, allowing for accurate classification with high accuracy. The study suggests that olfactory tests could be used as an early indicator of ASD, potentially leading to more effective intervention.
A new study found that errors on memory and thinking tests may signal Alzheimer's disease up to 13-18 years before the disease can be diagnosed. Those who scored lower overall had an increased risk of developing the disease, with higher scores associated with a lower risk.
A new breath test has shown encouraging results in diagnosing esophageal and gastric cancer by detecting unique chemical compounds in exhaled breath. The test is 90% accurate and can be performed in minutes, compared to hours using traditional methods.
A study found that most edible cannabis products sold in dispensaries carried labels with inaccurate THC levels, posing a risk to patients. The researchers called for better regulation and oversight of marijuana edibles to prevent overdosing and ensure accurate labeling.
The VA/DoD guidelines differ from the ACC/AHA guidelines in several aspects, including treatment targets and risk prediction tests. The guidelines also recommend a shared decision-making approach to determine medication benefits versus harms for each patient.
Scientists at UC Riverside identified a safe and affordable repellent, butyl anthranilate (BA), to protect fruits from the spotted wing Drosophila insect. Lab experiments showed BA effectively warded off the insect from blueberries, reducing fruit damage during ripening.
A nationwide analysis of over 8,000 children conceived through ART found no difference in educational test scores compared to spontaneously conceived children. The study suggests that ART pregnancies, particularly twins, do not have a negative impact on academic performance in adolescence.
Researchers have developed a method to increase nitric oxide production in nasal passages, which is linked to chronic sinusitis. The approach involves boosting NO levels using low-molecular-weight peptides that were created from an already-approved drug compound.
Applicants with disabilities who took MCAT with extra time had no significant difference in medical school admission rates but lower USMLE Step exam pass rates and graduation rates. The redesigned MCAT increases testing time, which may impact predictive scores.
Researchers Nira Pollock and John Branda aim to develop a novel urine test for early Lyme disease using a promising biomarker approach. The $100,000 grant will support their research on detecting Borrelia burgdorferi in urine samples from patients with early Lyme disease.
A new study suggests that having a stroke can reduce brain function by 8 years, affecting memory and thinking speed equally in black and white patients. The research analyzed data from over 4,900 seniors and found that strokes have serious consequences for cognitive health.
The Endocrine Society recommends improving the accuracy of estrogen testing methods for better patient care and research, particularly for hormone-related cancers and chronic conditions. The panel advises standardization of measurements through programs like CDC's.
A study of 1169 Medicare beneficiaries found that those with impaired smell identification were at higher mortality risk. Participants with the worst smelling ability had a 45% mortality rate after 4 years, significantly higher than those with the best scores.
Researchers have developed a method to create custom nanoscale structures that mimic nature's designs using robotic chemical-synthesizing machines. The peptoids, synthetic versions of peptides, show promise as durable antimicrobials that can target bacteria without harming red blood cells.