Articles tagged with Medical Tests
Researchers have discovered a new kidney protein, NGAL, that can diagnose sudden kidney failure days sooner than current tests. A simple urine test for NGAL can help emergency department physicians accurately diagnose kidney failure and make evidence-based treatment decisions.
Experts recommend revising current criteria for diagnosing diabetes, suggesting the use of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as an alternative to fasting plasma glucose or oral glucose tolerance tests. This change may help identify more people with undiagnosed diabetes, reducing avoidable morbidity and mortality.
A survey of Medicare patients found that higher medical care spending was not associated with better quality of care. In fact, those in lower-expenditure areas reported similar perceptions of quality and rated their overall care highly, regardless of spending levels.
A recent analysis found that most US health news stories have major failings in reporting, including inadequate discussion of costs, harms, and benefits. The study graded 500 US health news stories, resulting in a high rate of poor reporting, highlighting the need for improved standards in health journalism.
A new method of chemosensitivity testing was found to provide predictive information that could lead to better treatment outcomes for gastric cancer patients. The study's results showed a longer overall 5-year survival time in the sensitive group compared to the control group.
Research highlights the critical role of food intolerance in IBS symptoms, particularly diarrhea, which alters epithelial function and increases intestinal permeability. The study provides valuable insights into the relationship between intestinal inflammation and increased permeability in IBS patients.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers suggests that heart bypass surgery is not the cause of lasting cognitive problems in patients. After six years of testing, both groups experienced similar declines in cognitive function, indicating that the disease itself may be the culprit.
A new test using galectin-3 may help identify benign thyroid nodules, reducing the need for surgery. The test showed high sensitivity and specificity, with a positive predictive value of 82%.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed Standard Reference Materials (SRMs) for bitter orange, a compound used in herbal weight-loss products. Researchers can use these materials to develop and test analytical methods, as well as ensure the quality of their measurements.
A study found that young Australian women would accept age-based chlamydia screening, but prefer it be offered universally, rather than based on their sexual history. The researchers suggest that detailed sexual history should not be required before testing women for chlamydia to improve screening rates and reduce stigma.
A prostate cancer screening program introduced in the Tyrol region of Austria led to a significant reduction in deaths from the disease, with a 54% decline by 2005. The program's success can be attributed to early detection and effective treatment, which has improved patient outcomes.
Research reveals a striking decline in US prostate cancer mortality compared to the UK, with faster rates of decline attributed to increased screening and treatment. The study suggests that differences in detection and treatment policies may contribute to this disparity.
Researchers at NIST developed a device that creates nanodroplets for studying individual proteins under conditions similar to those found in cells. This technique mimics the crowded environment of cells, allowing researchers to study protein dynamics and structural changes without interfering with or damaging the proteins.
Epicentre research has helped improve rapid assessment of population health status, responding to infectious disease outbreaks, treating malnutrition, and developing diagnostic tools. The findings aim to address public health questions and significantly improve the health status of affected populations.
A study of 418 English test cricketers found that players who appeared in more test matches lived longer than those with fewer appearances. Captaining the team had no impact on lifespan, contrary to expectations.
A recent study found that even light loads of 26 pounds can decrease upper extremity blood flow, contributing to shoulder fatigue. Backpack straps typically compress the axillary vein, causing abnormally high blood pressure and subsequent decreased blood flow in the shoulders and arms.
New data on 3M's Tegaderm CHG shows it significantly suppresses skin flora regrowth, with superior prevention of flora regrowth on prepped skin compared to transparent dressings and BIOPATCH.
A new blood test, NuroPro, measures 59 protein biomarkers to distinguish between Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases. The test has been welcomed by researchers but larger studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
A consensus statement by ADA and ACC recognizes NMR measurement of LDL particle number as a more accurate assessment of cardiometabolic risk. This method appears to be more closely associated with cardiovascular disease risk than traditional LDL and non-HDL cholesterol measures.
Researchers found that impaired sense of smell can precede the development of Parkinson's disease (PD) in men by at least four years. Smell impairment was associated with an increased risk of PD, even after adjusting for other factors such as age and cognitive function.
A three-year study found people with severe white matter changes are twice as likely to score poorly on walking and balance tests. Exercise may have the potential to reduce the risk of these problems, which can lead to hospitalization and nursing home placement.
Research findings suggest that growth hormone does not enhance athletic performance, while universal MRSA screening is associated with significant disease reduction. Additionally, cognitive impairment affecting 22% of older adults exists without dementia, and current colonoscopy guidelines may predict false positives for advanced polyps.
A medical team from the University of Leicester has developed a predictor for pregnant women who may have miscarriages, using levels of anandamide in whole blood. The study found that women with higher levels of anandamide were more likely to miscarry, while those with lower levels were more likely to have a live birth.
New study suggests that non-lab-based risk factors can predict cardiovascular events with similar accuracy to laboratory-based values. This approach could simplify risk assessment and screening in developing countries where laboratory testing is often unavailable.
A new blood test, ELISpot-Plus, in conjunction with a skin test, can rule out tuberculosis infection within 48 hours, providing a much quicker result than existing methods. This combination enables doctors to diagnose TB more accurately and begin investigating other possible explanations for patients' symptoms.
A new guideline for treating dementia emphasizes the importance of individualized assessment and treatment based on a patient's specific medication regimen. Researchers also developed two new blood tests to diagnose latent tuberculosis, finding that one test is more sensitive than traditional methods.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technology that can detect multiple food-borne pathogens and toxins in one to two hours using live mammalian cells. The technique estimates the amount of microbes present and whether they pose an active health risk, giving users a higher degree of confidence in the test results.
A recent study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found that POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice has superior antioxidant power compared to other beverages. The juice ranked higher than red wine, Concord grape, blueberry, and orange juices in terms of phenolic content and antioxidant activity.
Researchers analyzed over 3.6 million patient records to find thousands of cases of probable undiagnosed diabetes in the UK. The study suggests that tens of thousands of people may be at risk of diabetes and require further assessment.
New research finds that hemoglobin A1c test underestimates true glucose control in hemodialysis patients, potentially leading to inadequate treatment and poor outcomes. The study suggests the use of a newer test, glycated albumin, as a more accurate measure of blood sugar control for diabetic dialysis patients.
Researchers found that Hispanic patients with diabetes have approximately 0.5% higher levels on the A1C test compared to non-Hispanic white patients. This study highlights the need for strategies to reduce disparities in diabetes control among minority groups.
Researchers found a single PSA test can predict advanced prostate cancer with high accuracy, allowing for targeted screening and potentially reducing overdiagnosis. The study revealed that men with higher PSA levels are at increased risk of developing advanced cancer, highlighting the potential for early detection to improve outcomes.
The NIH and EPA have formed a collaboration to improve the safety testing of chemicals using high-speed screening robots and cells. This new approach aims to generate data more relevant to humans, reduce animal testing, and increase the number of chemicals tested.
Researchers found that a single PSA test before age 50 can predict advanced prostate cancer up to 25 years later, helping identify high-risk men for targeted screenings. The study analyzed blood samples from over 160 men with advanced prostate cancer and a similar cohort without cancer.
Engineers at the University of Leeds have developed a new device that uses a specially-woven web to assist weak hearts, increasing internal pressure to improve blood flow. The web-based device eliminates the need for life-long drug therapy and reduces the risk of blood clots.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have developed a blood test that detects early stage ovarian cancer with 99% accuracy, building on previous work showing 95% effectiveness. The new platform uses six protein biomarkers instead of four, increasing specificity from 95 to 99.4%.
The new plan aims to reduce, refine and replace animal use in research and regulatory testing through partnerships with industry and stakeholders. It emphasizes the development of predictive systems using new technologies to minimize animal use.
A new guideline from the American Academy of Neurology highlights individuals at risk of falling due to conditions like stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, and vision loss. Regular screening and preventive measures can help prevent fall-related injuries and deaths.
Global positioning systems technology can be used to study how children develop spatial awareness and orient themselves in the real world. The study found that children aged three years old could use environmental landmarks to guide their search, improving performance with larger test areas and different colored buckets.
Research published by SAGE explores the impact of teachers on education quality and equity, focusing on issues like teacher certification, recruitment practices, and salary effects. The study reveals complex challenges facing disadvantaged districts, including high teacher turnover rates.
A new study found that people's personality types affect their ability to exercise self-control. Promotion-focused individuals tend to do better when adopting goal-pursuit strategies that fit their needs, while prevention-focused individuals fare better with vigilance strategies. This research has important implications for consumer we...
A pioneering Spanish study reveals that nearly half of patients with head injuries feign psycho-cognitive disorders to profit from insurance claims or sick leave. Researchers have developed reliable tools to detect these 'simulators', providing a valuable solution for healthcare professionals.
A RAND Corporation study found that nearly one-third of local health departments connected callers to a public health professional within 30 minutes, while nearly 40% had cases where no one reached a trained professional. The study highlights the importance of having live operators at all times to meet federal guidelines.
The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has issued guidelines for treating dyspepsia, a condition affecting a fourth of the population. For patients over 50 with symptoms or alarm features, endoscopy is recommended to diagnose structural disease such as peptic ulcer disease and malignancy.
The Surgilux device seals surgical wounds using an infrared laser, potentially reducing complications and infections associated with sutures. Early test results show promising results in brain and nerve surgery, paving the way for a new approach to repairing damaged nerves.
A new study by the New York City Health Department found that immigrant children are five times more likely to suffer from lead poisoning than U.S.-born children. The risk is highest among recent immigrants from countries with less stringent lead regulations, such as the Dominican Republic and Pakistan. To protect their children, paren...
A bone mineral density test given 15 years earlier predicted a woman's risk of developing fractures to her spine over time. More than half of the women with low BMD and existing spinal fractures developed new fractures over the 15-year study period, highlighting the importance of BMD testing for women over 50.
The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved home sleep testing as a tool to detect moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in select adults. Home sleep tests are recommended for adults between 18 and 65 with high pretest probability of OSA and no comorbid medical conditions.
A study found that 20% of lab tests accounted for 99% of results, making it easier to develop a common language for lab tests, such as LOINC. This standardization can bridge gaps in health data and improve healthcare information technology.
Researchers developed an open-source tool that catches programming errors using combinatorial testing, saving time and money for developers. The tool efficiently tests combinations of up to six variables, reducing the number of tests required by 99.9% compared to traditional methods.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have made a promising discovery in treating Batten disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder. By administering a drug that partially blocks AMPA receptors, they improved motor skills in diseased mice, paving the way for potential clinical trials and future treatments.
A study of 13,615 men and women found that good physical function after age 40 significantly lowers the risk of stroke. For every increase in physical function test scores, men experienced a 19% reduced risk of stroke, while women saw a 29% lower risk
Bowel cancer screening has significantly reduced emergency admissions and death rates in a UK pilot study. The study found that the number of emergency operations required halved, and the number of patients dying within 30 days also fell.
The new Chlamydia rapid test detects infection in over 4 out of 5 infected women, even without symptoms. The test can provide results in under 30 minutes and is up to twice as accurate as current tests.
A study by Yale researchers suggests that YKL-40 may play a role in severe asthma, with elevated levels correlating to increased inflammation and lung function. The discovery brings hope for developing a blood test to identify patients with severe asthma, which affects 2.5 million Americans.
The Aquatest project aims to provide individuals and communities with the information they need to identify unsafe water and take action. The test, which can detect E. coli contamination, will be available in developing countries within 10 years, leading to improved water management and a potential decline in water-borne diseases.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that minority patients prefer optical colonoscopy (OC) over computed tomographic (CT) colonography for colorectal cancer screening. OC was associated with less discomfort, embarrassment, and pain compared to CT colonography.
Researchers aim to determine who is at risk for colorectal cancer and tailor screening tests accordingly. Dr. Thomas F. Imperiale advocates for more targeted approaches, such as using easily accessible factors like age and family medical history.
A computer-based method to evaluate the eye's ability to distinguish object details and shape in patients with AMD could provide a more accurate way to assess the effectiveness of eye surgery or vision rehabilitation interventions. The test might help detect early detection of AMD and estimate patient potential visual acuity.
A simple technique using the twinkle after-effect can accurately identify blind spots in people with retinal disease, helping patients seek timely treatment for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. The method is inexpensive, accessible, and can be used daily by patients to detect changes in their vision.