Articles tagged with Medical Tests
Non-alcohol drug prevalence in fatally injured drivers has increased significantly, particularly for marijuana, which tripled in 10-year period, according to Columbia University researchers studying toxicological testing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Researchers at Tel Aviv University discover a simple blood test can predict diabetes risk up to five years before symptoms appear. The test uses A1c levels to identify high-risk patients, who may benefit from earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have developed portable, inexpensive medical tests using color-changing 'smart' holograms that can detect a wide range of compounds in blood, breath, urine, saliva or tear fluid.
A new study published in CMAJ found that people who enjoy life maintain better physical function as they age, with slower declines in daily activities and walking speeds. Participants who had higher levels of well-being were less likely to develop problems in their daily physical activities.
A new study by ETH Zurich researchers shows that robotic therapy outperforms conventional physiotherapy in improving sensory-motor function and arm mobility. Robot-assisted therapy enables patients to carry out exercises independently and motivates them via computer game elements, leading to better results in terms of mobility.
A study found that 88% of participants opted for further investigation even if symptoms carried only a one per cent risk of indicating cancer. Patients cited peace of mind and early detection as main reasons for wanting more timely testing, highlighting the need for NHS guidelines to be revised.
A study found that testosterone use has increased sharply among older men in the US and UK, with many having normal testosterone levels and non-specific symptoms. The Endocrine Society's guidelines recommend a clinical diagnosis of low testosterone only for men with consistent symptoms and unequivocally low hormone levels.
A new on-field blood test can accurately diagnose sports concussions, distinguishing them from physical exertion. S100B levels rise significantly after a concussion, making it a promising biomarker for head injuries.
A new test identified a urinary marker that differentiates street heroin users from those who have ingested morphine present in poppy seeds. This discovery addresses the 'poppy seed defense' challenge in workplace drug testing and forensic toxicology.
Researchers found significant differences in mechanisms causing high blood pressure in women compared to men. Women experience 30-40% more vascular disease for the same level of elevated blood pressure, highlighting a need for tailored treatments.
Researchers discovered reduced autophagy in schizophrenic patients' brains, which may lead to cell death. Boosting beclin 1 levels could restore balance and prevent harmful brain-cell death. ADNP levels were also found to be increased in the blood of schizophrenia patients.
A new study found that patients with Aiming deficits improved on the Catherine Bergego Scale, while those with only Where deficits did not. Prism adaptation therapy showed intermediate improvement in patients with both types of deficits.
The proportion of opioid treatment programs offering on-site testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) decreased substantially between 2000 and 2011, despite guidelines recommending routine opt-out HIV testing. For-profit opioid treatment programs were more likely to experience this decline.
A recent study suggests that routine preoperative lab testing is not associated with improved outcomes in low-risk patients undergoing cataract surgery. Effective communication between healthcare providers can help reduce unnecessary testing and high-value care.
The new strategy enables rapid selection of chemical compounds with a desired effect on cells and highlights the underlying biological mechanisms. Researchers identified a compound, WWL113, that shows promise for treating obesity-linked diabetes and also inhibits a previously untargeted enzyme, Ces3.
A study by Dr. Nathan Watemberg found that gum-chewing teenagers experience headaches due to temporomandibular joint dysfunction, which can be treated by quitting gum chewing. The study involved 30 patients between six and 19 years old who had chronic migraine or tension headaches
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University are working on a new device that can predict when patients with sickle cell disease will suffer an acute crisis and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. The device measures the physical properties of red blood cells, which become sticky and block blood flow during a crisis.
A new review published in the journal Neuropsychology Review finds that computerized neurocognitive testing for concussions lacks consistent evidence on reliability and validity. The study suggests caution when using these tests due to their marketing prevalence over scientific proof, emphasizing the need for a multi-dimensional approa...
The study involved 23 people with deep brain stimulators and 21 without stimulators, who completed driving tests in a simulator. Those with stimulators performed better on driving tests, especially when the device was turned on.
The Association for Molecular Pathology proposes a new term, Laboratory Developed Procedure (LDPs), to describe service-oriented tests. LDPs rely on laboratory professionals for design, consultation, and interpretive reporting in clinical care.
A new assay uses recombinase polymerase amplification to detect Chlamydia trachomatis directly from urine samples, showing high sensitivity levels and specificity. The test has the potential to be applied in numerous point-of-care settings due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers at Jefferson Breast Care Center found that genomic tests like MammaPrint and BluePrint provide more accurate classification of breast cancer subtypes than traditional methods. These tests enable better identification of patients who benefit from chemotherapy, reducing unnecessary treatment risks.
Researchers found that blows to the head during a single season of football or ice hockey can affect brain white matter and cognitive abilities. A subgroup of athletes who performed poorly on memory tests showed more change in the corpus callosum region of the brain.
A new study finds that Massachusetts' broader health insurance reform improved the state's health status and preventive care, especially among low-income residents. The study also showed increased access to personal doctors and reduced cost barriers to care.
Researchers found that new vibration absorbers can reduce wheel squeal in public rail systems, but had a modest impact on rolling noise. The devices attach to the wheels or tracks of rail transit systems and may be effective in reducing wheel squeal, but more testing is needed to fully understand their effectiveness.
The American Society of Hematology has released a list of common hematology tests, treatments, and procedures that are not always necessary. The list highlights five tests or procedures to question, including limiting surveillance CT scans in asymptomatic patients following curative-intent treatment for aggressive lymphoma.
A computer algorithm predicts breast cancer type with 93% accuracy by identifying three genes involved in estrogen signaling. The technique has the potential to replace traditional lab tests, potentially becoming more affordable and accessible in the future.
Four years of sustained regular physical activity boosted the likelihood of healthy ageing sevenfold compared with consistent inactivity. Participants who became physically active reaped benefits, being more than three times as likely to be healthy agers.
A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of women who have had hysterectomies and half of women over 65 with no cervical cancer history received unnecessary Pap tests. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force has recommended against these groups for the test since 2003.
A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that providing real-time cost information to physicians reduces the ordering rate of laboratory tests, including both high- and low-cost tests. This intervention increased physicians' knowledge about costs and their willingness to order cost-effective services.
Research found strong partner communication about HIV and being in a committed relationship are key predictors of HIV testing among teens. High HIV knowledge was not associated with increased testing rates.
A new method combines selective lysis, centrifugation, and fluorescence spectroscopy to diagnose blood infections in 96.5% of positive samples. The technique eliminates the need for expensive equipment and manual processing, enabling faster treatment with targeted antibiotics.
The research project aims to develop a better understanding of the disease process, pinpoint causes, and find treatments for Gulf War Illness (GWI) using an integrative modeling approach. The four-year study will integrate basic and clinical research to correlate data between physiological compartments and levels of biology.
A comprehensive review of statin studies found no association between statin use and memory loss or dementia. Statin users had a lower risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and mild cognitive impairment compared to non-users.
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.