Articles tagged with Medical Tests
The Canadian Collaboration for Immigrant and Refugee Health has developed a new resource for primary care physicians to address the complex health needs of immigrants and refugees. The guidelines cover four areas: infectious diseases, mental health, chronic and noncommunicable diseases, and women's health.
A Tel Aviv University researcher says current testing for pharmaceutical waste isn't going far enough, as drugs can break down into different forms and still be present in the environment. The researcher has identified nine degradation products of a common antibiotic, including two potentially toxic compounds.
Researchers advocate for expanded EHR use to address medical errors and improve care quality. Implementing Joint Commission's 2011 National Patient Safety Goals into EHR criteria can help fast-track the use of EHRs for patient safety.
A Loyola University Health System study found that 35% of retired NFL players had scores suggesting possible mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be a precursor to Alzheimer's disease. The average age of the players was 61, and their impairments were highly similar to those exhibited by patients with MCI.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have restored breathing function in an adult rodent model of spinal cord injury by biologically regenerating lost nerve connections to the diaphragm. The enzyme-based technique showed promising results, with 80-100% breathing function restored and maintained for six months.
Researchers found that patient outcomes improve when fracture clinics have a dedicated person to screen for and treat osteoporosis. The study also shows that testing and treatment within the program leads to better outcomes, rather than referring patients elsewhere.
Researchers extracted the plant's physiologically active components and found that 200 and 400 mg/kg doses produced analgesia comparable to aspirin. The extract may be acting through both peripheral and central pain mechanisms.
A team of experts developed a high-tech, portable device to test soil for carcinogenic pollutants, providing fast and accurate results. The Safe Soil Tester can detect toxins in as little as 12 minutes, offering significant cost savings over traditional lab testing.
Researchers used a self-paced walking test to evaluate physical function progress in middle-aged women, finding faster walk times related to weight loss and improved body composition. The 400-meter walk test is a simple and cost-efficient measure of physical function that can be used in medically underserved settings.
The ClearBlue Digital Ovulation test accurately predicts ovulation in 99% of women, surpassing the calendar method's accuracy rate of one in four.
A recent study from Lifespan found that molecular lab technology can detect up to 50% more cases of C. difficile (CDI) infection than traditional methods. This increased detection leads to improved patient safety and prevention of hospital-acquired CDI infections.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review finds that Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) are highly accurate in detecting malaria parasites, with a success rate of at least 19 out of 20 cases. This development holds promise for improving diagnosis and treatment of malaria in resource-constrained settings.
Researchers have developed a Pregnancy Viability Index (PVI) that can accurately predict the outcome of pregnancies threatening to miscarry. The PVI combines two key factors - bleeding and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) levels - to provide a reliable means of predicting which pregnancies will continue and which will miscarry, ulti...
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that BMC conducts a high rate of thyroid function testing in pregnant women. The study detected approximately 80 percent of cases of mild hypothyroidism that may have gone undiagnosed without routine testing.
A four-fold increase in global malaria R&D funding has generated the strongest pipeline of control and prevention products in history. However, sustaining this momentum requires modest increases in annual funding, which could lead to a larger jump by 2016.
A Duke University Medical Center research team has discovered new proteins in blood cells of patients with advanced prostate cancer and metastatic breast cancer. These proteins are associated with embryonic development and may help doctors gauge the progression or response to treatment more accurately.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have devised a nanoscale testing technique for irradiated materials that provides macroscale materials-strength properties. This technique could help accelerate the development of new materials for nuclear applications, reduce material requirements, and extend the lifetime of nuclear reactors.
A new study found that anxious searchers are more likely to miss multiple objects, particularly the second target, due to anticipatory anxiety. The research, led by Duke University psychologist Stephen Mitroff, has important implications for training and testing searchers in homeland security and healthcare.
A blood test for AMH can help predict IVF success, with women having higher AMH levels yielding more eggs and a higher rate of pregnancy. The study found that women with low AMH levels had an average of six eggs harvested, while those with higher levels had around 20.
A study by the Technical University of Munich reveals that non-alcoholic wheat beer can reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system, and prevent upper respiratory infections in athletes. The 'Be-MaGIC' study found that consuming the test beverage daily reduced infection frequency and severity.
A team of scientists has created a new 3D tumor model that can grow in a realistic and easily accessible substrate, speeding up cancer drug discovery. The model's 3D nature provides a more accurate representation of how tumors grow in the body, reducing the likelihood of promising drugs failing during animal testing.
A new study suggests that daily testosterone therapy can improve verbal learning and memory in postmenopausal women, reducing their risk of cognitive decline. The research found significant benefits after six months of treatment.
A hormone test measuring anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels can predict a woman's ovarian function after chemotherapy for breast cancer. Women with low AMH levels before treatment are more likely to experience infertility due to chemotherapy-induced damage.
A recent study has linked subclinical hyperthyroidism in elderly individuals to a significantly increased risk of death. The research found that those with this condition were 65% more likely to die during a six-year follow-up period than those with normal thyroid function.
A pilot study at Indiana University found that yoga significantly improved balance items and confidence in veterans with stroke. The participants showed a 17% improvement in balance and a 34% increase in confidence after eight weeks of group yoga classes.
A new study by Indiana University finds significant differences in physical fitness levels between patients at safety net community health centers and members of a medically affiliated fitness center. The research highlights the importance of access to exercise opportunities for vulnerable populations, particularly those without health...
A study by Loyola researcher Christopher Randolph found that baseline concussion tests may have a high 'false negative' rate, returning injured athletes to play prematurely. This could lead to increased risks of further injury or cognitive impairments.
A new non-invasive wireless near-infrared device has been shown to be as reliable as current invasive tests in determining bladder disease. The device uses light shone through the skin to monitor changes in bladder physiology, revealing consistent patterns of normal oxygen availability and blood supply in healthy subjects during urinat...
Researchers found that HbA1C test is not predictive of outcomes in diabetes patients with kidney disease on dialysis. In contrast, the glycated albumin or GA assay was a strong predictor of patient survival and hospitalizations.
A study found that 71% of elderly drivers supported mandatory retesting based on age, while 68% believed family members should decide if a license is revoked. The research aims to develop a screening test to identify higher-risk drivers and establish advance directives for driving decisions.
The Vectra DA algorithm provides a robust molecular monitoring system for RA disease activity. Studies show it can predict progressive joint damage and is robust in patients with common comorbid conditions.
A Baylor University study reveals that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a common fire retardant, can cause developmental malformations, changes in behavior, and death in zebra fish. The research found that lower brominated congeners were more toxic than higher ones.
A study published in Drug Testing and Analysis found that many 'legal highs' sold online do not contain advertised ingredients, with some containing controlled substances instead. Dr. Mark Baron's research highlights the need for consumers to be aware of the dangers of purchasing products from unregulated online retailers.
A study found that reminding hospital staff about the costs of daily blood draws resulted in a significant reduction in routine blood tests ordered. The intervention led to cost savings of $54,967 over an 11-week period.
Scientists have identified key molecular patterns in the blood of lung cancer patients, which can help detect the disease at an early stage. The study found these patterns are present even in tumors still in their earliest stages, offering new hope for improving lung cancer diagnosis and treatment.
A study of 266 healthy adults aged 70-88 found that driving errors, such as failing to check blind spots and speeding, increased with age. The results have implications for skill-based driving tests and training for older drivers.
Researchers found that even those with low faecal haemoglobin concentrations are at increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. Higher initial faecal haemoglobin concentration is linked to a greater likelihood of developing the disease.
A new decision aid aims to improve communication between families and clinicians about end-of-life care for patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation. The study found that the decision aid reduced uncertainty and improved agreement between surrogates and healthcare providers about patient outcomes.
A study found that CPAP treatment significantly reduces daytime sleepiness and increases wakefulness in patients with very mild symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea. The treatment also improves quality of life scores, even among those who initially did not perceive a benefit from therapy.
The six-minute walking distance test (6MWD) is an effective tool for understanding disease severity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A three-year global study found that baseline 6MWD was predictive of hospital admission and had a steady rate of decline in patients with severe disease.
Researchers studied chiropractic manipulation and found that maximum chest compression during typical manipulations is unlikely to result in injury. The study's findings suggest safer manipulation procedures and reduced risk of adverse patient outcomes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that it takes an average of 275 procedures to reach minimal cognitive and motor competency in gastroenterology fellows performing colonoscopies. The research team used a validated testing method to assess the performance of 41 fellows who performed over 6,600 colonoscopies.
A new blood-based test has the potential to diagnose Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) more quickly and accurately, allowing doctors to prescribe the right medication and prevent flares. The test uses a small chip to detect biomarkers in the body, creating a unique 'fingerprint' for each patient.
A study found that colonoscopies were performed more frequently than recommended in some older Medicare beneficiaries, while others went without necessary follow-ups. The researchers suggest that closer attention to screening rates is needed to ensure the procedure is reserved for those who can benefit from it.
A new study of U.S. veterans ages 70 and older found that healthy seniors benefit most from current colon cancer screening methods, while less healthy veterans may experience a net burden. The study highlights the need to target screening for those who are likely to benefit and re-evaluate screening for those who are not.
A new study found a strong correlation between income levels and celiac disease diagnosis accuracy, with higher-income individuals more likely to receive accurate diagnoses. The study's authors suggest that socioeconomic factors, including health literacy and access to information, may contribute to this disparity.
Using age alone to identify those at risk of heart disease or stroke is a viable alternative to current screening methods. According to the study, this approach has an 84% detection rate and false-positive rate of 24%, comparable to existing methods with slightly lower rates.
A new blood test has been developed to diagnose Alzheimer's disease at an early stage using biochemical analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) production. The test was able to accurately detect the disease with small samples of blood and differentiate it from other types of dementia.
A new study found that using two blood tests can dramatically reduce the risk of delayed diagnosis in overweight children. Researchers discovered that a combination of hemoglobin A1C and oral glucose tolerance tests could catch more high-risk patients, missing nearly 2/3 with just one test.
A daily physical activity program that incorporated classroom lessons resulted in improved test scores for students at an elementary school. The percentage of students reaching their goal score increased from 55% to 68.5% after the program was initiated.
A study found that middle-aged adults who slept more or less than 6-8 hours per night experienced accelerated cognitive decline equivalent to four to seven years of aging. This association was seen in both men and women, with no beneficial effects observed for increased sleep duration.
A recent study found that white adolescent females are less likely to be tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than their black counterparts, despite similar symptoms. This disparity raises concerns about the potential under-evaluation and under-treatment of white female adolescents with STI-like complaints.
Low health literacy is a significant barrier to quality care for elderly cancer patients, but using simple and effective assessment tools can help. Nurses can assess patients' literacy levels and tailor communications to match their understanding, improving communication and health outcomes.
Researchers have identified a protein in blood serum that distinguishes pancreatic cancer from non-cancerous conditions. The discovery suggests a potential blood test to detect pancreatic cancer at an earlier stage.
A study examining the absorption rates of folic acid from softgel capsules and standard tablets found that bioavailability was similar between the two formulations. The rate of absorption from softgels was slower than tablets, but the average levels of total folate in the blood were similar.
A new low-cost test for acute pancreatitis has been developed by University of Texas at Austin scientists, offering faster results than existing tests. The sensor, built with simple materials like gelatin, milk protein, and aluminum foil, can diagnose the disease in under an hour.
A study found that childhood musical experience can provide lifelong cognitive benefits, with musicians outperforming non-musicians on tests of visuospatial memory and cognitive flexibility. The research suggests that the duration of musical practice is more important than continued playing at an advanced age.
A study found that older individuals who played a musical instrument throughout life performed better on cognitive tests than non-musicians. The study suggests that musical activity may serve as a challenging cognitive exercise, making the brain fitter and more capable of accommodating aging challenges.
Researchers at Brigham Young University and the University of Utah have developed a blood test that can identify high-risk pregnancies for pre-term birth with high accuracy. The test detects three new peptide biomarkers that signal increased risk, allowing for early intervention and potentially prolonging pregnancy by one or two weeks.
A new biomarker called NGAL in urine or blood detects early subclinical AKI and its adverse outcomes in critically ill patients, allowing for earlier conventional medical interventions. The study's findings justify redefining what defines AKI and recommend using NGAL-based testing to improve prognosis.