Articles tagged with Medical Tests
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.
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that hamsters exposed to red light had significantly less evidence of depressive-like symptoms compared to those exposed to blue or white light. The researchers believe this may have important implications for humans, particularly those working night shifts.
Researchers found a reliable D-dimer plasma level threshold for detecting venous thromboembolism after craniotomy, indicating high sensitivity and specificity. A postoperative D-dimer threshold of 2 mg/L is proposed, with higher levels associated with pulmonary embolism.
A new non-invasive test may be more effective in promoting colorectal cancer screening among uninsured patients than a traditional colonoscopy. The test, fecal immunochemical test (FIT), was shown to triple participation rates compared to usual care strategies.
A collaborative research project between ASU and Mayo Clinic aims to improve carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis through the use of novel grasp testing methods. The new approach seeks to provide a more precise measure of functional recovery, enabling early detection of non-recovery after surgery.
A noninvasive colorectal screening approach like fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) may be more effective than colonoscopy in prompting participation among underserved populations. Organized mailing campaigns offering two colorectal cancer tests increased screening rates as much as threefold among uninsured patients.
Researchers found that mailed outreach invitations resulted in higher CRC screening rates among underserved patients, with FIT outreach tripling and colonoscopy outreach doubling rates compared to usual care. Screening participation was significantly higher for FIT and colonoscopy outreach than for usual care.
A unique four-point test using clinical variables such as serum albumin levels and white cell count can accurately predict the death risk of patients with C. difficile infections. This method has potential benefits for patients, hospitals, and health services worldwide.
Researchers at SISSA uncover inconsistencies in the dependence of the linguistic system on the motor one, with damage to specific brain regions affecting gesture imitation but not language processing. The study employs voxel-based lesion symptom mapping to establish a link between brain damage and performance decline.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are testing a two-story building made of cold-formed steel to determine its seismic resistance. The tests aim to improve nationwide building codes and make future buildings less expensive to construct.
Researchers at Malmo University found that saliva samples can reveal traces of serious illnesses, such as cancer and diabetes. This breakthrough could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment with a simple saliva test.
A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that decision aids increased men's knowledge and reduced conflict about PSA screening, but did not impact their decisions. The tools were equally effective in improving knowledge and reducing decisional conflict.
Researchers in Canada found that funding from the pharmaceutical industry significantly decreased EGFR mutation testing after it was discontinued. The Canadian healthcare system lacked resources for implementing a national policy, leading to a substantial drop in test requests.
A study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings documents 146 contemporary medical practices that have been reversed due to lack of evidence. The study analyzed 10 years of original articles from the New England Journal of Medicine, finding that only a minority tested current medical practices, and 40% found them ineffective.
A study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found higher rates of complications in blood-based resuscitation compared to conventional resuscitation, with no difference in mortality rates. Researchers led by Dr. Sandro Rizoli recommend larger trials to confirm findings and explore alternatives.
Researchers from the University of Alberta have developed a test to detect pathogenic E. coli in meat at food processing facilities, improving safety and reducing costs. The device is easy to use and can provide results in under an hour, making it an exciting application for the food industry.
Researchers found that athletes sleeping less than 7 hours before baseline concussion testing performed worse on cognitive tests and reported more symptoms. Significant differences were seen in Reaction Time, Verbal Memory, and Visual Memory scores.
A study published in The Lancet found that individuals born between 1915 and 1998 showed better cognitive abilities and daily functioning compared to those born between 1905 and 1998. This improvement was seen despite slightly lower educational attainment in the older cohort.
According to scientists, cat feces carry an infectious parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii that has linked to various diseases and even mental health issues. The accumulation of oocysts in soil, grass, and water may be a significant public health problem, prompting calls for better cat population control.
A study found that chemical dispersants used to treat oil spills can reduce the ability of European sea bass to cope with subsequent environmental challenges. The dispersant alone had no effect on fish performance.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Lahore University of Management Sciences are developing affordable test strips to detect pathogenic bacteria in drinking water. The project aims to address water safety concerns in Lahore, where over 60% of water sources are contaminated with disease-causing bacteria.
A new test could use sound waves to diagnose blood-related diseases by analyzing the shape and size of red blood cells. Researchers have developed a method that can identify irregularly shaped red blood cells with high confidence, which is a significant indicator of blood-related diseases.
A new automated diagnostic test can rapidly identify the most common causes of Gram-positive bacterial blood stream infections and detect three antibiotic resistance genes. The test takes about 2 hours to run and provides faster diagnosis, enabling early treatment of patients with sepsis.
A study analyzing 35,191 patients with coronary heart disease found that about one-third of those who achieved low-density lipoprotein cholesterol goals underwent repeat lipid testing. This may result in significant healthcare resource overuse and waste, estimated to cost around $203,990 annually in one VA network.
Research from USC Davis School of Gerontology shows that attributing every forgetful moment to getting older can worsen memory problems. However, framing tests in terms of preventing losses due to forgetting can actually enhance older adults' memory performance.
The study found that the mice had terrible attention spans and struggled with working memory and spatial memory due to the excessive release of acetylcholine. This highlights the importance of ACh in differentiating cues, but also suggests that too much of a good thing can be detrimental
Anand Srinivasan receives fellowship support from the American Heart Association to create a new chip-based platform for testing antibacterial and antifungal treatments for infective endocarditis. The technology can quickly test thousands of microbial biofilm samples, potentially saving lives.