Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A new study provides four quick and easy-to-administer tests to assess a child's early processing skills, which underpin language development. These tests have been shown to be reliable and can help identify potential language disorders in pre-schoolers, enabling earlier and more targeted intervention.
Researchers at NIST found that multiple robots' radio transmissions can interfere with each other, degrading search and rescue performance. The study identified ways to improve urban search and rescue wireless communications, including changes in frequency coordination and transmission protocols.
A review of medical literature reveals that direct communication between hospital physicians and primary care physicians at discharge is infrequent. Discharge summaries often lack important information, contributing to primary care physician dissatisfaction and impacting quality of care. Urgent improvements are needed in the processes ...
A RAND Corporation study found that neighborhoods with more four-way intersections and diverse businesses encourage walking. However, the impact of these factors on walking is not particularly strong, especially when housing density is low. The study suggests that urban design recommendations can help create walkable communities.
Exercise testing can diagnose chronic conditions and measure treatment responses, according to a new task force report. The findings suggest that clinical exercise testing can be a powerful tool for clinicians to evaluate interventions and improve patient outcomes.
Adding CRP testing to routine assessments would increase Americans eligible for treatment by 2-25 million, mostly low-risk individuals. The medical community should focus on treating high-risk patients before expanding to low-risk populations.
A study of 118 pilots aged 40-69 found that experts demonstrated improved performance over time, outperforming younger pilots in traffic avoidance and scanning cockpit instruments. Pilots with advanced FAA ratings showed the least decline in skills, suggesting a 'crystallized intelligence' mechanism.
The Stanford University School of Medicine conducted a six-month study on the effects of garlic on cholesterol levels. Despite decades of conflicting studies, the researchers found that consuming raw garlic or two popular supplements did not lower LDL cholesterol levels among adults with moderately high cholesterol levels.
A breath test using a color sensor can detect lung cancer with moderate accuracy in early stages, showing promise for non-invasive screening. The test detects changes in volatile organic compounds produced by lung cancer cells.
The American College of Physicians recommends periodic health evaluations to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. A new study found that immunochemical FOBT is an effective tool for detecting colorectal cancer, with high sensitivity and specificity rates.
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that a primer, developed by researchers at Dartmouth Medical School, improved medical interpretation skills among participants with varying levels of education. The primer, 'Know Your Chances: Understanding Health Risks,' was effective in both low and high socioeconomic groups,...
Data collected from voluntary HIV counselling and testing clinics in Africa are biased and unreliable, making them unsuitable for HIV surveillance. A better approach would be to use community-based surveys like Demographic and Health Surveys that inquire about testing history and sexual behavior.
A study found significant disparities in colon cancer screening practices by ethnicity, sex, age, education and income level among Medicare patients. Approximately 18.3% of the sample population had been screened for colon cancer during the study period.
A study by Queen Mary College researchers found nearly 40% of doctors in one Russian city had latent TB infection, with rates higher among those working in TB clinics. The study highlights the need for regular occupational health screening to control TB spread and address drug resistance issues.
Pregnant women over 40 years old are at higher risk of stillbirth due to various pregnancy complications. Fetal testing at 38 weeks gestation is most effective in reducing stillbirth rates among older women.
Researchers at the University of Rochester found that playing action video games for 30 hours per week improved spatial resolution and visual acuity. The study showed significant improvements in identifying letters presented in clutter, even beyond the part of the visual field where players typically engage with the game.
Scientists have identified a severe form of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) tied to a gene called JM-27. A blood test detects high levels of this protein, indicating more severe symptoms. This discovery could lead to earlier diagnosis and targeted treatment for bladder-related complications.
A new study has discovered a way to identify cells that will cause graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in blood cancer patients. This breakthrough allows for more reliable testing of donor T cells and personalized medicine approaches, potentially saving thousands of lives.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a new class of rapid tests that can carry out several biological tests simultaneously on a single drop using patterned paper. The tests are highly practical, inexpensive, and unaffected by contamination.
A study found that three-fourths of cardiovascular clinical trials published in leading medical journals did not provide sex-based analysis, highlighting the lack of data on women's heart health. Researchers urge more women to be included in trials and for journal editors to require sex-specific reporting.
A team of University of Michigan and Harvard researchers suggests abandoning the one-size-fits-all approach to health insurance by tailoring plans to individuals' specific medical needs. This value-based insurance design (VBID) approach aims to encourage patients to use evidence-based treatments, reducing healthcare costs in the long run.
A study of 4,124 older women found that repeat bone mineral density scans offered little predictive benefit for fractures. Initial BMD measurements remained highly predictive of fracture risk, suggesting that such tests are unnecessary for healthy older women.
Researchers at University at Buffalo are testing a nasal spray anesthetic and ozone delivery device to eliminate drilling and injections in dental procedures. The studies aim to improve patient comfort and reduce pain associated with dental care.
Scientists have developed a method to rapidly separate blood plasma without moving parts, leveraging the phenomenon of tea leaves accumulating at the center of a stirred teacup. This technique could significantly speed up medical tests, such as cholesterol level checks and glucose testing for diabetics.
A study published in the European Heart Journal found that adding milk to black tea completely negates its ability to relax and expand blood vessels. The researchers suggest that tea drinkers consider omitting milk from their beverage some of the time.
A new study found that a large number of patients who receive implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) do not benefit from the device, while a simple heart-rhythm test can predict which patients will get life-saving benefit. The study suggests that using this test could spare millions of dollars in costs.
Researchers found that high-normal uric acid levels are linked to lower scores in tests of mental processing speed, verbal memory, and working memory. Older adults with high-normal uric acid levels may experience slow information processing and failures in verbal and working memory.
Researchers developed genomic tests to predict breast cancer response to chemotherapy and hormonal therapy, with promising results in clinical trials. The tests showed high accuracy in predicting treatment response and patient outcomes, offering new hope for personalized treatment planning.
Research reveals that almost 16% of all drivers stopped and tested under suspicion of driving under the influence would test positive for drugs. Drivers who were under the legal limit for alcohol but still tested positive for drugs were more likely to be taking a cocktail of substances.
A new study reveals that a balance training program focusing on increasing step length and speed is more effective at improving mobility and balance than tai chi. The program resulted in greater improvements in measures such as the timed up and go test and maximal step length test.
A new study reveals that a specific set of symptoms and their frequency/duration can distinguish early ovarian cancer from other causes, making it a potential rapid and cost-effective screening tool. The symptom index was found to be 57% sensitive for early disease and 80% sensitive for advanced cancer.
Researchers at University of California - San Diego have developed fiber-reinforced polymer composites that quadruple the toughness of dental composites. Braided polyethylene fibers performed best, increasing toughness by up to 433% compared to the composite alone.
A multicenter study found that finasteride artificially lowers PSA levels in younger men taking it for hair growth, impacting diagnosis accuracy. The study calls for new clinical guidelines to account for this effect when evaluating PSA results.
Women's long-term weight training programs increase biologically active growth hormone, a key factor in muscle development and bone strength. The study found that heavy loading cycles or workouts with moderate to heavy intensity regimens stimulate growth hormone production.
A study published in Arthritis Care & Research found that muscle strength and functional performance were lower in the leg operated on compared to the other leg four years after meniscectomy. Patients reported symptoms and functional limitations, scoring lower in all areas compared to healthy control patients.
A study published in Neurology found that people with Parkinson disease were more likely to make safety mistakes during a driving test than those without neurological disorders. The study involved an on-road driving test of participants with mild to moderate Parkinson disease and those of similar age without neurological disorders.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a rapid diagnostic test for cocaine detection using tiny gold spheres and aptamers. The test strip, which can be used with just a sample dip, accurately identifies cocaine presence and has broad practical application potential.
A multi-center study with Stanford University found that regular exercise can improve a person's score on a standardized test of physical mobility, balance, walking speed, and ability to rise from a chair. The study showed that seniors who exercised regularly performed better on the fitness test than those who received health education.
A multicenter pilot study found that structured physical activity improved physical functioning in sedentary elderly individuals. Participants who exercised regularly showed significant improvements in walking distance and reduced risk of major mobility disability.
A new research tool developed by Susan Liebman may provide a means for treating the earliest stage of Alzheimer's disease. The yeast model system detects A-beta small aggregate formation, allowing for high-throughput screening of compounds to inhibit aggregation.
A survey of over 700 family doctors found that nearly two-thirds provide PSA tests on request, despite lack of evidence supporting its effectiveness. The study highlights the need for better training and targeted guidance to influence testing patterns and improve patient outcomes.
A study found that eating small amounts of dark chocolate daily can decrease the tendency of platelets to clot in narrow blood vessels, reducing heart attack risk. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 139 'chocolate offenders' who were excluded from a larger aspirin study and found them to be less reactive than those who abstained.
A study of nearly 600,000 men aged 70 and older reveals that 56 percent had a routine PSA screening, despite lack of recommendation. Health status had little impact on whether a test was performed, with even those in poor health receiving the test.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a simple 'dipstick' test for detecting cocaine and other drugs using DNA-gold nanoparticle technology. The test is highly sensitive and selective, allowing for quick screening of individuals for various substances.
Studies found that colorectal cancer screening rates are increasing among Veterans Affairs patients, while younger veterans with other illnesses may not benefit from screening and may even be harmed. Screening methods include fecal occult blood testing and colonoscopy.
Testing preterm children's eyes at 2.5 years of age may help identify those who will develop vision problems by age 10. The study found that refractive errors, including astigmatism and anisometropia, were more common in preterm children than full-term children.
Researchers developed an immunological purification method to detect synacthen in low concentrations, providing a gap-closing solution for drug testing authorities. This new test confirms the presence of the protein and produces a unique chemical fingerprint.
Up to two-thirds of women experience incontinence, which can interfere with daily activities and lead to physical health problems. Most cases can be diagnosed through office evaluation without further tests or referrals, offering relief to up to 90% of patients.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center have developed a potential new treatment for stroke using Activated Protein C, which has shown promise in reducing brain damage by 70 percent. The treatment aims to temper the side effects of current medication TPA and expand its 'window' beyond three hours.
A Stanford University School of Medicine study found that napping improved mood, alertness and performance in doctors and nurses who worked night shifts. The study's results showed that a short nap break reduced fatigue, sleepiness and performance lapses.
Researchers developed a simple, noninvasive test to measure right ventricular function and predict survival of adults with pulmonary hypertension. The test, TAPSE, assesses echocardiographic abnormalities in the tricuspid valve and showed that patients with advanced right ventricular dysfunction had dramatically reduced survival rates.
A study analyzing hair samples from over 8,000 individuals found that babies can be exposed to crystal meth in the womb, with wide-ranging levels detected in both mothers' and newborns' hair. The findings suggest restricted fetal growth and developmental problems, highlighting the need for increased awareness and safety measures.
A team of researchers has developed a model that tests Pe-ter Richardson's long-held hypothesis about the formation of blood clots. The model, which uses high-speed computing, reproduces several odd features of thrombus growth observed in laboratory experiments and tissue pathologies.
The study found that virtual colonoscopy can detect polyps and cancers, but also reveals findings outside the colon that require additional testing, adding significant costs
Analyzing carbon and nitrogen in hair strands can determine whether a person has an eating disorder, providing an objective measure for diagnosis. The test required only five strands of hair to predict with 80% accuracy whether a person had anorexia or bulimia.
A study by human factors/ergonomics researchers found that virtual reality-based simulators can effectively train military medical personnel in high-stress conditions. The simulation tested the efficiency and quality of emergency chest tube thoracostomy procedures, revealing a correlation between faster completion times and poorer work...
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that a nonabsorbable antibiotic can effectively treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) even after treatment ends. The study showed sustained benefits for participants who received rifaximin, providing new hope for those suffering from IBS.
Menzies School of Health Research has received $4.6 million in funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council to boost its research capability in Indigenous, remote, and tropical health. The funding will support six projects, including the Aboriginal Birth Cohort Study and scabies diagnosis development.
A pioneering study has found that people with lower or declining cognitive ability are at greater risk of falling. The research, which followed over 500 participants aged 70 over eight years, identified women and multiple fallers as being more likely to experience falls.
Researchers at The University of Manchester are developing new techniques using cultured human cells to identify carcinogens and reduce the need for animal testing. The project aims to increase confidence in pre-animal tests and minimize false positives.