Articles tagged with Medical Tests
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.
Researchers found that a combination of two proteins, S100B and apoA-1, helps most accurately classify head injuries. This study provides significant evidence for the potential use of blood tests in diagnosing mild traumatic brain injury.
A recent Michigan Medicine study found that most state websites offering health care prices rarely provide information relevant or usable for consumers. The study analyzed 62 public websites and found that most only reported billed charges, not actual patient costs, with limited focus on outpatient services.
Researchers found that trained Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening officers were slower than undergraduate students but more accurate in identifying T-shaped arrangements on computer screens. Consistent search patterns freed up brain processing, improving performance.
Researchers found that two proteins affect responses to wakefulness and sleep deprivation. The study suggests that assessing quality of wakefulness before bedtime could lead to new ways of treating sleep disorders.
A new study presented at The Endocrine Society's Annual Meeting found that excessive salt consumption is associated with a higher risk of nonvertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. Women who consumed the highest amount of sodium had more than four times the risk of fracture, even after adjusting for other factors.
Research reveals that E. coli strains producing Shiga toxin persist longer in lake water than their non-toxin-producing counterparts, posing a health risk to swimmers.
Researchers have found that interferon-beta treatment significantly improves the physical condition of animal models of spinocerebellar ataxia 7, a fatal genetic disorder characterized by coordination problems. The treatment reduces the load of mutant ataxin-7 and leads to increased PML nuclear bodies involved in protein degradation.
Researchers have found that visually impaired individuals and those with uncorrected refractive error are more likely to experience diminished balance when their eyes are closed. The study suggests that vision plays a crucial role in calibrating the vestibular system, which helps maintain physical balance.
Researchers at Duke University Hospital successfully implanted a bioengineered blood vessel into a kidney dialysis patient, marking the first US clinical trial of this technology. The new vein is an off-the-shelf product engineered using human cells and no biological properties that trigger organ rejection.
Research found that people with atrial fibrillation experience lower memory and thinking scores at earlier ages, with faster decline rates compared to those without the condition. Cognitive impairment or dementia risk may be higher for those with atrial fibrillation, particularly after age 75.
A new study by UT Arlington researcher Jacob Resch found that the ImPACT test miscategorized healthy participants as impaired up to 46% of the time, particularly on verbal and visual memory tests. The research emphasizes the need for multiple concussion assessments to ensure accurate diagnoses.
Researchers at Araclon Biotech have developed a blood test to measure beta amyloid peptides, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. The test shows a high level of association between peptide levels and the disease, suggesting a potential biomarker for early diagnosis.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology create a new type of paper that repels a wide variety of liquids, including water and oil, using the 'lotus effect'. The modified paper could be used as a foundation for inexpensive biomedical diagnostics and provide an improved packaging material that is recyclable and sustainable.
A 10-minute test for frailty can predict increased risk of death and frequent hospitalization among kidney dialysis patients. The test measures physiological reserve and suggests that dialysis patients are undergoing premature aging, leading to higher mortality rates.
Researchers found that using the oral glucose challenge test (OGCT) with a glucose threshold of 7.2 mmol/L had a sensitivity of 99 percent and specificity of 77 percent for diagnosing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). GDM screening may also reduce complications such as preeclampsia, shoulder dystocia, and high birth weight.
A new skin test called Skimune has been developed by Newcastle University to predict adverse reactions to new drugs and cosmetics. The test uses real human skin and immune cells to identify potential risks, providing a faster and more accurate alternative to animal testing.
Research confirms memory problems are a real symptom of menopause, exacerbated by hot flashes and negative emotions. Women experiencing more severe symptoms struggled with memory retention.
Researchers have developed a new rapid diagnostic test for worm infections that provides substantial improvement over the current standard. The test is expected to be more sensitive and easier to use than existing methods, and will help guide public health efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis. Lymphatic filariasis affects approxim...
A new diagnostic test for lymphatic filariasis is highly sensitive, detecting nearly 26% more infections than the standard test. The new test also has a longer shelf life and is expected to cost less.
A study from the Cleveland Clinic found that obstructive sleep apnea patients with poor functional capacity have a significantly higher mortality risk. The researchers identified several factors, including female gender, smoking history, and abnormal heart rate recovery, as predictors of impaired functional capacity in this population.
A new LAMP test kit can detect even the lowest levels of malaria parasites in under an hour, improving diagnosis for imported UK cases and field use in Uganda. The simple test requires minimal equipment and training, making it accessible to non-specialist health workers.
Researchers surveyed over 800 participants to identify variables that predict high-risk sexual behavior. The cultural factor proved most reliable in predicting high-risk sexual behavior, with gender stereotyping, sexual fantasy, and pornography usage playing significant roles.
Researchers have found evidence of the 'Bd' fungus among African Clawed Frogs in the US, which has led to the decline or extinction of 200 frog species worldwide. The study suggests that these frogs may be responsible for introducing a devastating disease to amphibians in the US.
A new study found that bone mineral density testing is not routine among men receiving androgen deprivation therapy, but those with primary care physicians are more likely to receive the test. This highlights the importance of primary care physicians in bone care for men with prostate cancer.
Researchers developed a test to predict cerebral malaria progression in children with malaria. Testing patients' blood for HRP2 protein levels can identify those likely to develop life-threatening cerebral malaria, allowing for targeted treatment and improved outcomes.
A preclinical study by Scripps Research Institute successfully tested a new vaccine against heroin, which targets the drug and its metabolites, preventing them from reaching the brain. The vaccine effectively blocks relapse in rats with heroin addiction, offering hope for therapy.
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that children born with mild iodine deficiency during pregnancy performed worse on literacy tests as 9-year-olds. The researchers theorize that iodine deficiency may have a greater impact on auditory pathways and spelling ability.
Academic physicians call for guidelines to reduce cheating among medical students, citing concerns over patient safety and public trust. Historical test questions are used throughout higher education, but reproduce-and-share practices threaten this integrity.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University found that emotional intelligence (EI) is a strong predictor of clinical performance in dental school. Students with high EI scores achieved better grades and demonstrated stronger communication skills in the clinic.
Diagnostic errors accounted for the largest fraction of malpractice claims and the highest total payments, resulting in severe patient harm and death or disability almost twice as often as other error categories. The majority of diagnostic errors were missed diagnoses, with outpatient care being more common than inpatient care.
A new UCLA study finds a significant correlation between poorer performance on neuropsychological tests and memory complaints in post-treatment, early-stage breast cancer patients. The research suggests that 'chemo brain' may involve neurophysiological changes associated with chemotherapy and radiation treatment.
Dr. Margaret Gourlay's study defined appropriate bone density screening intervals for older women, reducing the need for frequent tests and targeting those at higher risk of osteoporosis. The research has been instrumental in shaping clinical practice guidelines, benefiting human health and welfare.
A new detection test using nanotechnology may make food contamination testing more rapid and accurate, with a sensitivity one hundred times greater than the standard method. The test can detect toxins in as little as one hour, compared to four to six hours for current methods.
A study has found that slower walking speed is associated with increased mortality risk in kidney disease patients. The research suggests that lower extremity physical performance tests may help identify those at higher risk of premature death.
Tests conducted by NIST found that portable generators retrofitted with off-the-shelf hardware emitted 90% less carbon monoxide than standard generators. The reduced emissions are expected to delay the onset and progression of CO poisoning symptoms, leading to fewer deaths and injuries.
A recent study found that simple educational strategies targeting doctors and patients after a fracture significantly improved osteoporosis testing rates, reducing fractures by two fewer per 1,000 patients. Mail-based notice interventions were effective and cost-efficient, with projected savings of $18,000 for every 1,000 patients.
While computer-based decision support systems can help reduce testing costs by 9%, they are unlikely to overcome the root causes of unnecessary medical testing and cultural issues within the healthcare system.
Patients with untreated sleep apnoea are more likely to fail a driving simulator test and report nodding whilst driving. The study found that 24% of sleep apnoea patients failed the test compared to 12% of controls.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have developed a new technique to test drugs on human liver cells, reducing the risk of fatal effects. By growing cells in 3D structures that mimic natural human body conditions, scientists can better predict how substances will behave in humans.
A study found that patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) who have the BRAF V600E genetic mutation are at higher risk of death. However, overall mortality rates for PTC are low, and the association between the mutation and mortality was not independent of tumor characteristics.
A new type of deadly intestinal lymphoma has been identified in Asian patients, with a novel biomarker and diagnostic test developed to accurately diagnose the disease. The study's findings impact the 2008 WHO classification and offer improved treatment strategies.
A study by Southern Methodist University found that fruit flies raised on organic diets performed better on several health tests, including fertility and longevity. The researchers believe the benefits may be dependent on specific foods, which could explain inconsistent results in previous studies.
A six-week study in Germany showed that test products significantly reduced exposure to certain toxicants, including acrolein and tobacco-specific nitrosamines. The results demonstrate the potential of these technologies to lower health risks associated with smoking.
Researchers developed a new device called Human Spinal Cord Modulation System (HSCMS) to deliver therapeutic stimulation in a more targeted way. The device is designed to be in direct contact with the spinal cord, providing improved pain relief for patients with chronic pain.
The Lancet warns of the growing threat of drug-resistant tuberculosis, with more than 30% of newly-diagnosed patients having MDR TB in some parts of eastern Europe and central Asia. To eliminate TB as a public health problem by 2050, incidence needs to fall by 16% per year for 40 years.
A new chemotherapy drug, arsenic trioxide, has been developed to be less toxic to female fertility while being more effective against cancer. The drug is packed into a nanobin, a tiny Trojan horse that delivers the drug directly to tumor cells.
A new study from Boston University School of Medicine identified significant problems with laboratory test naming conventions, leading to increased medical costs and delayed diagnosis. Researchers propose using search engine-like technologies to guide clinicians towards the most appropriate tests, improving patient safety and outcomes.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have found that the traditional thresholds for ESR and CRP may need to be refined to improve accuracy in diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections. The study analyzed 1,993 patients and revealed differences in inflammatory marker elevation between knees and hips.
Scripps Research is developing a new diagnostic test for Onchocerciasis, or river blindness, using a biomarker detectable in urine. The test aims to provide accurate and painless diagnosis, guiding treatment decisions and helping global health leaders eradicate the disease.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new test that measures involuntary changes in heart rate and blood pressure to identify the severity of concussions. The test, known as autonomic reflex testing, shows significant changes in those with concussion, providing a potential tool for diagnosing and monitoring recovery.
EPFL scientists have developed a tiny implant that can analyze proteins and organic acids in the blood, sending results to doctors' computers for more personalized care. The device has demonstrated reliable detection of several substances and has potential applications in chemotherapy and chronic illness monitoring.
The Forsyth Center for Salivary Diagnostics will revolutionize disease testing using saliva-based tests, which contain virtually all medical diagnostic information as blood. The facility aims to develop and commercialize new assays that are less expensive and more convenient.
A new study finds that mindfulness training significantly reduces depression symptoms in adolescents, with a decrease of 12% compared to control group. After six months, the reduction persists, suggesting that mindfulness protects against the later development of depression-like symptoms.
Researchers found a case of rapid hearing loss in a patient with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, highlighting the need for clinicians to consider CJD when diagnosing patients with fast-progressing hearing impairment.
A nationwide Swedish study of over 300,000 young men found that those with low cognitive scores were at a higher risk of sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury. The study also identified other risk factors for mild traumatic brain injuries, including socioeconomic status and physical fitness.
A small study of 20 people with Parkinson's disease found virtual house calls provide clinical benefits comparable to in-person physician office visits, saving patients and caregivers time and travel. The study also found no difference in quality-of-life changes between the two groups.