Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A new diagnostic tool using gold nanoparticles can determine the aggressiveness of prostate cancer, providing doctors with more accurate information to treat patients. The test has been validated in human tissue samples and could lead to more treatment options if clinical trials begin in two to three years.
A study confirms that prostate cancer screening is widely ignored in men aged 75 or older, defying 2008 guidelines. Nearly half of men in this age group continue to receive screenings, highlighting the need for selective screening.
A Scripps Research Institute scientist has been awarded a $1 million grant to develop new tests for stress-associated diseases, including atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. The goal is to identify drug leads that can prevent oxidative damage in zebrafish.
Scientists developed a passive vaccine that reversed cocaine overdose symptoms in laboratory mice, showing promise as a potential antidote. The vaccine uses pre-formed human antibodies against cocaine, binding to circulating molecules and preventing brain damage.
A new non-surgical test has been developed to diagnose and monitor brain tumors without surgery, providing a significant breakthrough in treatment options for patients. The test uses microRNA profiling of cerebrospinal fluid to determine the presence of glioblastoma, the most common and lethal type of brain tumor.
A study proposes a triage tool to optimize lab capacity for patients with high CD4 failure likelihood. The model could help focus laboratory-based CD4 count testing on those who need it most.
Researchers identified the most strongly associated strains with premature birth and severe birth defects, using a new blood test developed by NIAID. The study suggests that widespread screening and treatment of pregnant women infected with Toxoplasma gondii could prevent infants from suffering eye and brain damage.
A new diagnostic tool for tuberculosis (TB) offers improved accuracy and speed, allowing for faster treatment. The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is a fully automated test that determines TB infection and multidrug-resistant strain in under an hour.
A study of 112 patients with Parkinson's disease and 60 controls found that persistent ocular tremors were universally present in patients with PD, regardless of medication use. This finding suggests that precise oculomotor testing could be a valuable tool for early diagnosis.
A randomized clinical trial found that patients given a choice between fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) and colonoscopy completed CRC screening more often than those assigned to colonoscopy alone. Racial/ethnic differences in screening completion rates were observed, with African-Americans having the lowest rate.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet suggests that measuring executive functions can predict a player's success in soccer. The researchers found a correlation between high scores in cognitive tests and better performance on the pitch, supporting the idea that game intelligence is not just innate but can be developed.
Research published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine finds that asbestos workers are significantly more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, even after adjusting for smoking. Women are found to be at greater risk than men, with longer exposure durations increasing the likelihood of heart disease deaths.
A recent study found that low doses of endocrine-disrupting chemicals can result in significant health effects, contradicting current testing paradigms. Researchers recommend expanded and generalized safety testing to detect potential adverse effects of these chemicals.
Scientists have developed a simple test to identify MRSA in wounds that can detect the superbug quickly, enabling more effective treatment. The test uses tiny electrical sensors to analyze swab samples, potentially reducing laboratory processing time.
A study published in Hepatology found that diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) with the inhibitory control test and treating it with lactulose is cost-effective, preventing car accidents and reducing societal costs. The treatment prevents motor vehicle collisions and saves up to $3.6 million over a 5-year period.
Scientists have developed a rapid test to detect Salmonella in lettuce and water using popcorn-shaped gold particles. The test can identify the bacteria in just five minutes, making it a potential game-changer for food safety, particularly in remote areas or during outbreaks.
A recent study by Sonia Lupien's team at the Centre for Studies on Human Stress found that testing older adults in unfamiliar and stressful environments can significantly reduce their memory performance. The researchers tested older adults under conditions similar to those in which cognitive examinations take place, and found that stre...
A recent study found that inadequate bowel preparation during a colonoscopy can lead to missed pre-cancerous lesions, which were later discovered during a second screening. This highlights the importance of proper preparation for colonoscopies, as even minor issues can have significant consequences.
Researchers found that among patients given an appointment for a follow-up exercise stress test, 70 percent actually underwent the test compared to 31 percent without pre-scheduled appointments. Patients with pre-scheduled appointments also waited significantly less time for the test.
A new genomic test has been shown to help doctors identify breast cancer patients who do not need adjuvant chemotherapy, reducing side effects and improving quality of life. The study found that patients classified as low risk by the test had a higher distant disease-free survival rate compared to those classified as high risk.
A new study found that older people's memory and thinking skills decline faster after a first hospital stay compared to before or after discharge. Hospital stays were linked to significant declines in memory scores on specific tests, lasting even after adjusting for severe illness and age.
A new study published in Science Translational Medicine shows a promising blood test that can predict who is at risk for an imminent heart attack, potentially saving thousands of lives. The test uses circulating endothelial cells, which are abnormally large and misshapen in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Researchers have identified a new test using 'Arah2' to diagnose peanut allergy, reducing the need for oral food challenges by four-fold. The two-step screening process is more accurate and predictive than standard tests, minimizing over-diagnosis and alleviating pressure on healthcare services.
Researchers are developing a computerized model to predict the force necessary to create fractures and the location of fractures with high accuracy. This will help clinicians make more informed decisions when assessing injuries sustained by young children.
A study led by Salomeh Keyhani found no evidence to support the notion that higher regional healthcare costs indicate inappropriate care. The researchers reviewed 114,830 peer-reviewed articles and concluded that there is a lack of scientific evidence to design policies that reduce unnecessary care.
Blood testing for food sensitivity is increasingly common, but its limitations and potential misuse have been emphasized by European and American allergy and immunology societies. Physicians should caution patients about the controversy surrounding IgG4 testing and advise them on alternative diagnostic approaches.
A Kessler Foundation study found that people with multiple sclerosis perform poorly in memory and processing speed tests on hotter days. The research suggests a link between outdoor temperature and cognitive performance, which could impact clinical trials and treatment decisions.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed nanotube-based sensors that can perform lab tests in minutes, speeding diagnosis and treatment while reducing costs. The technology has almost tripled the speed of prototype nano-biosensors and holds potential for applications in medicine, toxicology, and environmental monitoring.
Researchers at the University of Southampton are developing laboratory-based assays to predict immune responses to biological drugs, reducing the need for animal testing. The goal is to minimize adverse reactions like the TGN1412 trials and accelerate the development of monoclonal antibodies.
The American College of Physicians recommends starting colorectal cancer screening at age 50 for average-risk adults, with individualized assessments and tailored intervals based on risk factors. The guidelines also encourage shared decision-making between patients and physicians to weigh benefits and harms.
Osteoporosis experts advocate for shorter intervals between DXA scans for high-risk women, patients with low bone mineral density, and those receiving osteoporosis medication. This approach can prevent debilitating fractures and reduce healthcare costs.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology found that physiological problems from concussions can last longer than symptoms, even after standard testing subside. MEPs showed delays in response time and smaller size, which continued until day 10, with these changes increasing as symptoms decreased.
Scientists have combined NO- and H2S-releasing designer aspirins into a hybrid substance called NOSH-aspirin, which appears more effective in controlling cancer growth than either of its predecessors. The new compound inhibits the growth of various cancer cells, including breast, colon, and leukemia, with minimal harm to normal cells.
Researchers have successfully differentiated human dental pulp stem cells into liver cells using hydrogen sulphide, producing high numbers of pure cells. This breakthrough offers promising results for future liver-cell therapy and transplantation without the risk of teratomas or cancers.
Researchers created a new method using calculus equations to estimate acetaminophen overdose patient prognosis, predicting those who can survive with antidote treatment versus those needing a liver transplant. The study analyzed 53 patients and showed the method's accuracy in determining survival outcomes.
Scientists developed a unique compound that blocks inflammation-causing molecules in blood cells, fueling diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disease. The compound, Phox-I, precisely targets an enzyme network, reducing ROS production without causing toxicity.
The Tongue Drive System, a wireless device that enables people with high-level spinal cord injuries to control computers and wheelchairs with their tongues, has been improved by embedding sensors in a dental retainer. This allows for increased mechanical stability and comfort, making it nearly unnoticeable.
Researchers found that mild dehydration caused headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating in women, while men experienced fatigue, tension, and anxiety. The studies highlight the importance of staying hydrated throughout the day, not just during exercise or physical activity.
A study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society Nephrology found that adding information on how to treat chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients to kidney test results did not improve care. The study included 22,092 patients with CKD and found no difference in the use of recommended medications between those who receive...
Research found that middle-aged individuals with slower walking speed are one-and-a-half times more likely to develop dementia, while those with weaker hand grip strength are at a higher risk of stroke. Conversely, faster walkers and stronger grippers have lower risks, according to the study.
The Forsyth Institute is developing a low-cost diagnostic tool for tuberculosis (TB), which can quickly and accurately diagnose active TB cases in developing countries. The project focuses on identifying and validating seven proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis as biomarkers of active disease.
A prospective study found that leukocyte esterase reagent (LE) strips can rapidly diagnose PJI, showing high sensitivity and specificity. The test is a valuable addition to the diagnostic armamentarium for PJI, providing a quick and affordable method for detecting infection in synovial fluid.
Researchers developed a nanoparticle microfluidic color device for rapid detection of acute sepsis and other biomarkers, offering improved accuracy and speed in medical diagnostics. The device boasts high sensitivity and can detect minute quantities of biomolecules, making it a promising solution for point-of-care diagnostics.
A McMaster University study finds that closing schools can significantly reduce the spread of pH1N1, with a 50% reduction in transmission observed. The research used high-quality data from Alberta to demonstrate the effectiveness of school closures as a control measure during pandemic outbreaks.
A team of researchers at New York University's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences has developed a method to test the efficacy of genome sequencing technologies. The study, published in PLOS ONE, employed a feature-response curve procedure to evaluate the accuracy of various assembly algorithms and shotgun approaches. While some...
Researchers caution against relying solely on computerized neuropsychological tests (CNT) to determine when athletes can safely return to play after a concussion. The tests may not accurately measure an athlete's brain function and could lead to premature return, posing risks such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy and death.
Researchers at Sam Houston State University have discovered a new biomarker, ACTA, in liver samples following cyanide poisoning, which may extend its detection window up to two months. Elevated cyanide concentrations can only be detected for up to two days under current toxicological testing.
Scientists have developed a handheld device that can accurately count white blood cells, revolutionizing the complete blood cell count test. The device uses a 'blood lab-on-a-chip' technology to break down red blood cells and produce comparable results to full-scale hematology labs.
Researchers found that cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a significant predictor of mortality in patients after liver transplantation. The study showed that patients with higher fitness levels had lower mortality rates, making CPET a valuable tool for assessing liver transplant candidates.
The development of a new standard for vitamin D testing aims to ensure accurate measurements of vitamin D levels in the blood. The researchers created a certified reference material, SRM 972, which provides a mechanism to ensure measurement accuracy and comparability.
Researchers found that less expensive, high-yield glucose tolerance tests are rarely used for peripheral neuropathy diagnosis, despite being more cost-effective.
A new study assessing over 400 articles found that lithium treatment causes thyroid and parathyroid abnormalities in about 25% of patients, compared to 3% and 1% in the general population. Additionally, weight gain is a common side effect of lithium therapy.
A new study found that women over 67 with normal bone mineral density scores do not need to be re-screened for osteoporosis for 15 years. This longer timeframe is based on the estimated time it takes for 10% of women in the highest bone density ranges to develop osteoporosis.
Computer models can identify health and safety issues at mass gatherings and simulate the spread of infections to test public health interventions. These models could be used to minimize health hazards and prevent outbreaks, saving lives and resources.
Researchers found that combining TCM therapy and intrauterine insemination (IUI) significantly increases fertility success rates to 65.5% compared to 39.4%. The study suggests that Chinese medicine can promote balance and harmony in the womb, affecting ovulation, menstrual cycle, blood flow, and endorphin production.
A new test can identify biomarkers for mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), a group of inherited metabolic disorders, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially more effective treatment. The test detects specific carbohydrate structures in cells, blood, and urine samples, enabling differentiation between forms of the disease.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that patients with interrupted health coverage receive significantly fewer preventive tests and vaccines. Continuous health insurance coverage is essential to ensure timely care, even at reduced-cost safety net clinics.
A standardized medical terminology system, LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes), has been adopted internationally as a common language for medical measurements. Developed by the Regenstrief Institute, LOINC enables hospitals and healthcare providers to accurately record, transfer, and use medical data.
A study of 205,000 patients found significant variation in pre-surgery exam rates among hospitals, suggesting a lack of standard guidelines. The findings highlight potential risks of over-testing and under-testing, which may increase healthcare costs and harm patients.
A new study from Penn State suggests that lean beef can be part of a heart-healthy diet when saturated fat levels are controlled. The DASH diet, which emphasizes plant protein foods and fish, was compared to two other diets: Beef in an Optimal Lean Diet (BOLD) and BOLD plus additional protein.