Articles tagged with Medical Tests
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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.
A pilot study found that L-lysine reduced severity of symptoms and improved functional ability in eight out of ten patients with schizophrenia. The treatment showed a general trend for improvement due to treatment with lysine, but results were confounded by the beneficial effect of lysine continuing after treatment stopped.
Researchers at Queen's University Belfast have pioneered a needle-free test for medicines in premature babies, reducing trauma and improving accuracy. The new approach uses blood spots obtained from heel-pricks, allowing for more precise dosage calculations and better treatment outcomes.
A new educational booklet developed by UCLA researchers can help patients better prepare for a colonoscopy, increasing the likelihood of a successful procedure. The booklet provides clear instructions and visual aids to aid in bowel preparation, which is crucial for identifying polyps and reducing cancer incidence.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have created a tool that uses cerebrospinal fluid test results to predict disability timelines for patients with progressive multiple sclerosis. The study found that patients with higher levels of certain proteins in their CSF are more likely to experience a faster onset of disability.
A prediction model that includes data on measures of several routinely obtained laboratory tests accurately predicted the short-term risk of kidney failure for patients with moderate to severe chronic kidney disease. The researchers used demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from over 7,000 patients with CKD stages 3 to 5.
Researchers used carbon dating to determine the age of carotid plaques in humans, finding that plaque formation occurs during a relatively short and late time period in life. The study also found an association between low plaque age, higher insulin levels, and instability.
Researchers have developed an innovative diagnostic algorithm using a protein named HBHA in combination with IGRA, allowing for rapid identification of those infected but not yet showing symptoms. The new test has the potential to improve TB diagnosis and control strategies worldwide.
A new 'halometer' tool allows researchers to assess visual disturbances in night vision. The device, developed at the University of Granada, uses software and a chin cup with a forehead holder to measure the effects of halos on observers.
A new study found that a more sensitive test for the cardiac biomarker troponin can increase the diagnosis of heart attacks and identify patients at high risk of another heart attack or death. The test was associated with improved clinical management, fewer deaths, and fewer admissions with recurrent MI.
A highly sensitive blood test has been shown to detect heart attacks in a third more patients than previous tests, identifying smaller amounts of heart damage. The test has been found to halve the risk of being readmitted to hospital with another heart attack within a year.
Cognitive impairment in liver disease patients may not be fully reversible and can affect driving safety. Doctors are advised to carefully evaluate cirrhotic patients for hepatic encephalopathy and address driving issues with them.
A new self-monitoring blood glucose sensor developed by Arizona State University engineers and clinicians enables patients to draw tear fluid from their eyes to get a glucose-level test sample. The device aims to make blood glucose testing easier, more comfortable and potentially better control diabetes.
A new study uses statistical methods to assess the authenticity of items sold on internet auction sites, revealing over 80% of artwork claimed to be by Henry Moore was actually fake. The results suggest strengthening laws on misrepresentation is necessary for public protection.
A study by the American Heart Association found that brief video training significantly improves hands-only CPR performance, with over 90% of trained participants attempting CPR in an emergency. The training also showed improved compression rates and depths compared to untrained individuals.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that the circadian system contributes to daily patterns of vasovagal syncope, a common type of fainting. The vulnerability to presyncope peaks at specific times between 10:30 PM and 10:30 AM, with the highest risk occurring at 4:30 AM.
A new study found that empathy significantly reduces racial bias in pain treatment, with a 98% decrease in treatment disparities for college students and a 55% decrease among nurses. By asking participants to imagine their patients' feelings, the researchers were able to mitigate unconscious biases.
A new diagnostic test called PluriTest enables researchers to determine the quality of pluripotent stem cell lines with remarkable sensitivity and specificity. The test uses a detailed molecular model of normal pluripotent cells to identify genomic aberrations, alerting scientists to perform additional analysis.
The American Thoracic Society's new report highlights the need for research on incorporating ambulatory management of obstructive sleep apnea into healthcare systems. Portable monitor testing is limited by lack of standardization and high costs, with studies needed to demonstrate its efficacy and cost-effectiveness.
The letter highlights growing concerns about chemicals like BPA and the need for experts from genetics, reproductive medicine, and other fields to interpret and evaluate science. The authors advocate for swifter and sounder testing procedures to prevent chemicals from entering the environment.
Researchers found that apple polyphenols prolonged lifespan and preserved physical function in fruit flies, supporting previous studies on antioxidant benefits of apples.
A NYU nursing-dental research team will assess the feasibility of using gingival crevicular blood to gauge hemoglobin A1C levels as a means of diagnosing diabetes and identifying pre-diabetes. The study aims to determine if there is a correlation between A1C finger-stick and oral blood samples.
A new test identifying aggressive lung cancer sub-type in never-smokers may help doctors select the most appropriate therapies. The study found that tumors expressing a protein product called anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) are more common in this group, increasing disease progression risk.
A study by the University of Michigan's C.S. Mott Children's Hospital found that the hemoglobin A1c test is not as reliable for diagnosing diabetes in children as it is for adults, potentially leading to missed cases. The authors suggest using a fasting plasma glucose test instead.
A new study by Dr. Todd Anderson at the University of Calgary's Libin Cardiovascular Institute has identified endothelial dysfunction as a predictive marker for coronary heart disease. By detecting this marker in patients, doctors may be able to intervene early to prevent the progression of heart disease.
A Northwestern University study found that over one-third of paid caregivers struggled with reading and understanding health-related information, while 60% made errors when sorting medications. The study aims to develop standardized tests to evaluate caregiver skills and improve senior care.
A recent study found that individuals with high cholesterol and blood pressure in middle age are more likely to experience early cognitive decline and memory problems. The research, which tracked over 4,800 participants for 10 years, showed a significant association between cardiovascular risk factors and poorer cognitive test scores.
Research found that simple tests, such as Road Sign Recognition and Compass tasks, can identify those at risk of failing the on-road driving test. The tests correctly classified 80-85% of unsafe drivers.
Scientists have discovered biomarkers in the blood of pregnant women that could lead to early diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. Almost 70 proteins were found to occur at unusual levels in women with EP, with one protein called Adam12 appearing 20 times lower than in normal pregnancies.
Scientists have developed a new food packaging material called 'killer paper' with silver nanoparticles that fights bacteria causing spoilage. The coating is effective against E. coli and S. aureus, killing bacteria in just three hours.
Researchers aim to improve post-hospital management of patients with pending test results. Inadequate communication and follow-up can lead to serious medical errors.
A recent study found that most medical devices recalled due to serious risks were initially approved through expedited processes or exempt from regulatory review. The FDA's 510(k) process, intended for low- to moderate-risk devices, was used for 71% of recalled devices.
Researchers found that babies born between 36 and 38 weeks with confirmed fetal pulmonary maturity still face increased risks of neonatal morbidity. Despite recommendations for testing, delivering preterm can lead to respiratory problems and other complications.
A study found that the standard third-trimester GBS test did not accurately predict its presence during labor, while a rapid test performed at labor showed excellent accuracy. The test's performance varied among racial groups, with Hispanic and African-American women more likely to have discordant results.