Articles tagged with Medical Tests
Joost van der Westhuizen, a former World Cup-winning rugby star, is partnering with the University of Edinburgh's Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research to raise awareness and funds. The collaboration aims to share knowledge and expertise to benefit MND patients.
The UC San Diego shake table, the world's largest outdoor shake table, has been used to test various structures including wind turbines and buildings. A robot called SkySweeper, designed to inspect utility lines, also won an award for its innovative technology.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine found that only about half of patients with newly diagnosed high cholesterol were screened for thyroid dysfunction. Current guidelines recommend TSH blood tests to rule out hypothyroidism in these patients.
Researchers have developed a novel, non-invasive monitoring device that uses multilayer nanotechnology to detect acetone levels in the breath of diabetics, correlating with blood-glucose levels. This technology aims to improve patient compliance and quality of life for people living with diabetes.
A new study on cocaine has found a way the drug breaks down proteins in the body, which could be used to detect it in biofluids for weeks or months. The research contributes to a more comprehensive picture of cocaine's toxic effects and may lead to improved tests for its detection.
Researchers developed a statistical model that can identify individuals with mild cognitive impairment who are at risk of developing dementia, enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. The model takes into account various factors such as age, sex, race, and education to provide a more accurate prognosis.
Researchers developed a simple dot test called the Triplets Learning Task (TLT) to assess dopamine loss in Parkinson's disease. The test shows promise as a non-invasive way to evaluate dopamine deficiency and may lead to new ways to improve treatment for PD patients.
A new clinical score test for patients with sore throats can reduce antibiotic use by almost 30% and improve symptoms more quickly. The FeverPAIN score considers fever, pus infection, rapid attendance, inflamed tonsils, and cough or cold symptoms to determine if antibiotics are needed.
Researchers create a new password system, GOTCHA, that incorporates inkblots to protect high-value accounts from stolen passwords. Users describe inkblots with text phrases, making it harder for computers to crack the password.
A study found a disconnect between public health campaigns promoting STI testing and actual conversations between lovers, particularly among college-age individuals. Conversations about STIs can influence behavior and decision-making, but many participants reported limited discussions or no testing.
A new test identifying low levels of placental growth factor may predict severe high blood pressure in pregnant women. It could also prevent unnecessary hospitalizations by monitoring those at high risk for developing preeclampsia.
Researchers found that modifying electronic order set lists can significantly alter both the number and quality of lab tests ordered by clinicians. Including default selections increased the quality of lab tests, but also added costs.
University of Akron researcher Hossein Tavana has received a $511,000 NIH grant to advance 3D tumor models for anticancer drug testing. His innovative approach generates 384 physiologic tumor models using robotic technology, allowing for more efficient and cost-effective drug screening and discovery.
A new trial found that routine availability of platelet function testing had a modest impact on selecting and dosing anti-clotting therapy. However, no significant effect was observed on major adverse cardiac events or bleeding complications.
A new testing approach can better detect parathyroid hormone imbalances in end-stage kidney disease patients, which are linked to higher mortality rates. The study found that patients with higher levels of non-oxidized parathyroid hormone had a lower risk of death.
A new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that children with poor motor performance at the start of school tend to have poorer reading and arithmetic skills than their peers. The study suggests that motor performance and movement skills are more important for academic success during the first years of school.
Researchers from Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft have developed nanoparticles that selectively deliver doxorubicin to cancer cells, reducing side effects. In laboratory tests, encapsulated doxorubicin was found to be 5 times more effective than unencapsulated form in eliminating malignant cells.
Researchers have developed a new testing strategy that can estimate levels of essential vitamins and minerals without directly testing each nutritional factor. This approach uses protein levels in the bloodstream as proxies for nutrient levels, enabling rapid detection of population-wide deficiencies and potential remediation efforts.
A new, inexpensive paper-based device has been developed to detect disease markers in patients' blood, offering a potential solution for medical testing in remote regions. The device uses simple materials and no electronics, allowing it to be easily operated by users with limited resources.
Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that regular moderate to vigorous exercise improves teens' academic performance, with girls doing better in science. The study, which tracked over 5000 children aged 11-16, showed a dose-response effect between exercise intensity and test results.
Researchers at MIT have created a noninvasive diagnostic test that detects blood clots in urine, enabling early detection and treatment of life-threatening conditions such as strokes and heart attacks. The test uses nanoparticles to detect thrombin, a key factor in blood clotting, allowing for rapid screening and diagnosis.
Researchers have developed a simple and reliable urine test to detect blood clots, which can cause life-threatening conditions. The test uses synthetic biomarkers that can sense vascular diseases remotely from the urine.
A systematic review of 81 diagnostic studies found that expert panels were often not properly blinded or described, leading to potential biases and poor reproducibility. The study highlights the need for improved reporting of expert panel diagnoses to ensure accurate and reliable results in diagnostic research.
A four-year NIH grant will support the development of a portable sensor to measure metal levels in humans. The sensor combines lab-on-a-chip sensing with microfluidics to provide fast and accurate results, reducing wait times for healthcare providers and scientists.
Neurosurgeon residents at UCSF implemented a quality improvement program to reduce unnecessary diagnostic laboratory tests, resulting in a 47% decrease and cost savings of $1.7 million. Patient care was not compromised, and the program improved patient satisfaction and reduced hospital costs.
A new blood test has been identified as a reliable biomarker for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), distinguishing it from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The test targets high levels of vinculin antibodies in patients, offering a simple and effective diagnostic tool.
A small, wireless capsule has been developed to restore surgeons' sense of touch in minimally invasive surgeries. The system provides haptic feedback, allowing surgeons to feel pressure and tissue stiffness on a computer screen or with a commercially available 'haptic glove'.
A study of Medicare data reveals significant variability in PSA screening rates among primary care physicians for men over 75, with rates declining with age. Physician choice accounts for a substantial portion of this variation, highlighting the need for further investigation into its causes.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found that adding citrus fiber to ground beef improves nutritional quality by increasing cooking yield and adding fiber content. Citrus powder can be used as a replacement for bread crumbs in meatball recipes, offering a tangy flavor and potential health benefits.
Scientists identified high amounts of N,α-DEPEA in Craze, a widely sold US and international workout supplement. The compound has not been safely tested for human consumption and may have stimulant and addictive qualities.
A study published in BMC Medicine found that nearly 60% of herbal products contained plant species not listed on the label, while 32% showed product substitution. This can lead to health risks due to toxicity and interactions with other herbs, supplements, and medications.
A new study is testing a standardized labeling system that prescribes medications at four specific times of the day (morning, noon, evening, and bedtime), with the goal of improving patients' understanding and proper use of their medications. The study aims to reduce confusion and neglect among patients taking multiple medications.
A new machine learning model accurately flags risk for post-stroke dangers, outperforming traditional transcranial doppler tests in detecting blood vessel constriction. The method combines existing ICU data and is less resource-intensive, but its effectiveness depends on IT infrastructure.
A new consortium led by the Sabin Vaccine Institute is conducting clinical trials of a human hookworm vaccine in Gabon. The vaccine has the potential to dramatically improve health, economic, and social landscapes in countries with high burdens of hookworm disease.
A new study published in Neurology suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may not have a protective effect on cognitive decline in older women. Despite initial hopes, the research did not find a difference between high and low levels of omega-3s in thinking skills.
Researchers at Uppsala University found that combining two test methods can provide better asthma diagnosis. The combination of exhaled nitric oxide and blood eosinophil counts increases the likelihood of individuals reporting asthma symptoms or attacks.
A simple 'traffic light' test developed by the University of Southampton has shown promise in reducing harmful drinking rates and potentially preventing hundreds of alcohol-related deaths. The test, which costs £50, can detect hidden liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in high-risk populations and advises patients to reduce or avoid drinking.
A recent study published in JAMA found that repeating bone mineral density (BMD) tests after four years offers limited value in assessing bone fracture risk in seniors aged 75 and older. The study suggests that updating clinical characteristics in the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) instead of repeating BMD tests may be a more eff...
A study in JAMA found that repeating bone mineral density (BMD) tests every 2 years provides little additional value for assessing fracture risk. The study, conducted on a cohort of older men and women with untreated osteoporosis, showed that BMD change provided little information beyond baseline BMD for clinical management.
A simple two-question survey was found to be as accurate as a nine-question screening test in detecting major depression among cancer patients. The survey, based on the Patient Health Questionnaire, assesses a patient's interest in activities and feelings of hopelessness over the past two weeks.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that blood transfusions were needed in less than 3% of pediatric non-cardiac surgeries. In many cases, unnecessary testing and supply waste occurred due to precautionary measures. The study suggests that surgeons should assess each patient's specific needs for blood screening instead...
A Loyola Medicine study found that the i-STAT point-of-care device is not accurate enough to determine troponin levels without a corrective term. Fingerstick testing can accurately qualify troponin levels as negative, borderline or positive.
A new clinical trial has launched, aiming to prevent Alzheimer's disease by giving new drug treatments before dementia symptoms appear. The trial, led by principal investigator Randall Bateman, is testing two innovative treatments and has been made possible through a unique collaboration of private and public resources.
A new study has found that a smartphone app can quickly screen for cognitive dysfunction often found in patients with cirrhosis. The app, called EncephalApp_Stroop, is a valid method for screening minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) and may improve treatment rates in potential patients.
A new study found that children who retained sodium in their urine were more likely to develop high blood pressure. The test can help pediatricians manage and treat hypertension in patients, providing valuable information for early intervention.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has released a list of five targeted, evidence-based recommendations to support conversations between patients and physicians about necessary care. The recommendations aim to reduce waste and overuse in the healthcare system by identifying unnecessary tests and procedures in orthopaedics.
Researchers have developed two rapid tests to monitor resistance spread and screen new drugs for malaria. The simple tests can predict whether a patient has slow-clearing, drug-resistant parasites in just 72 hours.
A new test uses a plastic bottle with an 'artificial nose' to detect eight common disease-causing bacteria, producing results in 24 hours. This faster method reduces the toll of sepsis in developing countries and medically underserved areas.
A biomarker test has been shown to accurately detect acute kidney injury (AKI) in a diverse group of patients admitted from the emergency department. The test measures neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and can provide results within 15 minutes, allowing for timely treatment.
A study suggests that Abbott's high sensitive troponin test can improve the diagnosis and prognosis of patients presenting with symptoms of a heart attack, particularly in women. Women are often under-diagnosed due to lower levels of cardiac troponin, which can contribute to delayed treatment.
A new biomarker strategy using troponin and copeptin has the potential to change clinical practice with high patient safety, according to the BIC-8 trial. The strategy significantly increased emergency room discharge rates among patients with suspected ACS.
A UK-based study of over 12,000 faecal samples found that the cytotoxin assay is the most reliable indicator of true C-Diff infection. This discovery highlights the importance of using accurate diagnostic tests to prevent deaths and hospital transmissions caused by C-Diff.
Researchers have developed a fast and affordable blood test to detect early signs of organ rejection in transplant patients. The new test uses Droplet Digital PCR technology, which can identify graft-derived cell-free DNA released into the bloodstream by dying cells from the transplanted organ.
A new study suggests a hybrid screening strategy that combines annual or biennial fecal immunological tests with a single colonoscopy at age 66 may reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality while lowering costs. This approach can deliver health benefits comparable to current strategies, making it an attractive alternative.
A University of Washington team has developed a microneedle patch that can precisely deliver a tuberculosis test without user error. The patch uses biodegradable needles and has been shown to be as effective as the traditional skin test in detecting the infection.
The portable device, developed by UCLA researchers, can determine levels of albumin in urine and transmit results within seconds, reducing the need for frequent office visits. The device weighs around one-third of a pound and is compatible with smartphones.
The US Pharmacopeial Convention has introduced new limits on 15 elemental impurities and procedures for measuring levels, updating tests used to ensure safe products. The changes require drug companies to install multiple systems at multiple sites, potentially increasing costs.
A study by researchers found that gypsum wallboard allows carbon monoxide to diffuse through it. This could explain instances of CO poisoning in contiguous residences. The findings highlight the need for CO alarm use and education in homes with this type of wallboard.
Researchers found that mice consuming a diet of 25 percent extra sugar died at twice the normal rate and males had reduced territory and reproduction rates. The study suggests that added sugars can have dramatic adverse impacts on mammalian health, even at levels considered safe by regulatory agencies.
A new study evaluates the accuracy of neurocognitive testing compared to self-reported symptoms of concussions in cheerleaders. Researchers found that 62% of cheerleaders reported increased symptoms after a concussion, while 33% had decreased neurocognitive performance without realizing it.