Articles tagged with Medical Tests
A new study found that nearly 50% of wells labeled as unsafe actually contained safe drinking water. Researchers recommend using more accurate testing methods to ensure water safety in the region.
Researchers study soccer heading to understand cognitive decline and long-term brain damage risks. The study found linear accelerations of 15-20 G's and angular accelerations of 1,000-2,000 radians per second squared, values below established injury thresholds.
A study comparing two short screening instruments for alcohol-use disorders found that the Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen (RAPS4) is more effective than the CAGE questionnaire, particularly among women and ethnic minorities. The RAPS4-QF variant performed significantly better in identifying alcohol abuse across all gender and service-ut...
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a plumbing system for microfluidic chips using dielectrophoresis, allowing for efficient movement and mixing of tiny droplets. The system uses electrostatic attraction to divide water into dozens of droplets and position them on a chip for diagnostic tests.
Researchers develop technology to characterize unknown bacteria, helping astronauts stay healthy in space. The system predicts bacteria's source and identifies potential infection risks.
A new testing method for Johne's disease has been developed, allowing farmers to classify test results into five levels and make more informed decisions about cow management. This method enables the efficient handling of a large number of samples and saves farmers money by reducing the need for fecal culture tests.
Researchers have found that ceramic-to-ceramic hip implants are more durable than metal-on-polyethylene replacements, with a 4,000-fold increase in durability. A large-scale clinical trial showed no postoperative bearing fractures or particles flaking off, indicating potential benefits for younger patients.
The article highlights the need for guidelines on human test subjects in chemical and biological warfare research. Bioethicists emphasize the importance of fair and humane treatments, including ensuring subject competency and freedom of choice.
A study projects that increasing BMD testing for women with osteoporosis or osteopenia would reduce fractures by 6,683 over three years and result in net Medicare savings of $15.5 million. This could lead to increased patient benefits while reducing costs.
Researchers found that fructose intolerance causes abnormal hydrogen gas in breath and gastrointestinal symptoms like bloating and diarrhea. A low-fructose diet or antibiotic therapy may be recommended for symptomatic patients.
Research suggests that drinking water can improve a person's ability to stand and reduce the likelihood of fainting, particularly for individuals who donate blood. Healthy participants were tested using tilt-table testing, with results showing an average increase of 40.9 minutes in tolerated standing time when hydrated.
The tolerance-hyperbaric test (THT) can identify pregnant women at high risk for gestational high blood pressure and preeclampsia up to 23 weeks before clinical confirmation. The test's sensitivity reaches 99% by the third trimester, providing early prevention opportunities.
Research explores vision loss and its impact on driving skills, finding correlations between mental tracking ability and driving measures. Glaucoma patients with normal visual acuity but reduced contrast sensitivity may also struggle with driving skills.
A study of 52 patients found no clinically significant cognitive decline after CABG surgery, contrary to previous reports. The researchers attributed the lack of decline to general medical care and reduced vascular risk factors.
Researchers found that women with higher fitness levels showed a blunted systolic blood pressure response during the hand/ice water test, which could help predict future hypertension risk. Fitness levels did not affect blood pressure changes during other tests, but increased heart rates in fitter participants.
The FDA has cleared a new diagnostic test that aims to detect 20% of SLE cases that previously went undiagnosed due to the limitations of existing blood tests. The test, developed by Mark Roth, uses molecules called SR proteins as biomarkers, improving doctors' ability to make accurate diagnoses and predict disease flare-ups.
A recent study found that alcoholics experience a 'blunted' cortisol response after undergoing stressful tasks, which can lead to memory impairments. The researchers also discovered that the number of alcohol withdrawals is a strong predictor of memory deficits, but not problem-solving ability.
A seven-year study found that elderly individuals with depressive symptoms were more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease and experienced rapid cognitive decline. The risk of developing AD increased by 20% for each additional symptom.
Space motion sickness affects 70% of first-time space travelers, causing nausea, vomiting, and cognitive impairment. Researchers are testing four drugs to find a safe alternative that reduces symptoms without affecting reaction time or memory.
A novel immunoassay for FLC molecules has been developed and assessed for its sensitivity, latex-enhancement, and turbidimetric techniques. The new assay improves upon existing clinical laboratory tests for FLCs in identifying and monitoring patients with multiple myeloma and other diseases.
A new blood test for congestive heart failure has shown high accuracy in diagnosing the condition, with nearly 90% of cases correctly identified. The BNP test detects elevated levels of a hormone released by the heart ventricles when pressure rises, and has been proven effective in emergency rooms worldwide.
The American College of Physicians recommends screening adults over 50 for colorectal cancer. The Task Force identified two screening methods that have been shown to reduce death from colorectal cancer: the fecal occult blood test and flexible sigmoidoscopy.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends that all adults over 50 be screened for colorectal cancer using methods like the fecal occult blood test or flexible sigmoidoscopy. The Task Force also notes that clot-busting drugs and angioplasty are underused in certain patient groups, particularly women and specific types of heart at...
A population-based study suggests that a diet high in foods containing vitamin E may help protect against Alzheimer's disease, with the most significant protective effect found among those with the lowest dietary vitamin E intake. The study also found no association between vitamin E supplements and reduced risk of AD.
The U-M artificial lung has improved blood flow and reduced risk of clotting, showing encouraging results in sheep tests. The device could potentially bridge lung disease patients to transplant, reducing the average wait time from two years.
A phase II trial demonstrated the therapeutic benefit of an angiogenic growth factor in patients with painful blockages in the legs. Treated patients showed significant increases in peak walking times and improved scores in a blood pressure index, suggesting improved perfusion.
The American Academy of Neurology endorses electrodiagnostic tests for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). These tests offer a high degree of sensitivity and specificity. The guideline recommends laboratory studies for confirming the clinical diagnosis of CTS due to its importance in treating patients who frequently require surgery.
A randomized trial found that virtual outreach services, where patients and GPs attend a video conference with specialists, resulted in more follow-up appointments (52%) and fewer tests ordered compared to standard outpatient referrals. Patients expressed greater satisfaction with virtual outreach consultations.
UT Southwestern researchers have developed two blood tests that can predict central nervous system infection in infants born to mothers with syphilis. These tests, which detect neonatal antibodies and DNA of the syphilis organism, were found to be effective in identifying all cases of CNS infection in a study of 148 infants.
QuikClot is a granulated material that rapidly absorbs all liquid in the blood and leaves behind clotting factors to effect coagulation within seconds. The product has been cleared by the FDA and is being distributed to US troops in Afghanistan, with plans for wider use in military and civilian settings.
A study published in The Lancet found that telemedicine can reduce unnecessary follow-up tests and improve patient satisfaction. Patients who received virtual outreach consultations had a higher rate of offered follow-up appointments than those who received standard outpatient referrals.
A new test simulates real-world noise to evaluate children's binaural hearing abilities, which affects learning and concentration in noisy environments. The test assesses how well children can separate competing sounds, with results showing varying ability levels among children.
Researchers found that African Americans scored lower on neuropsychological tests due to poor educational experiences, but incorporating reading tests addressed this issue. The study suggests that including reading assessments can improve diagnosis accuracy among individuals with diverse educational backgrounds.
A randomized controlled trial found that culturally and linguistically suitable outreach and direct mail interventions increased Pap testing rates among Chinese-American women. The study suggests these interventions can help reduce racial and ethnic health disparities in cervical cancer screening.
A new study suggests that liver transplant matching based on histocompatibility could reduce disease recurrence in patients with hepatitis C and primary biliary cirrhosis. The University of Pittsburgh study analyzed data from over 3,000 liver transplants and found that a match significantly decreases the incidence of acute and chronic ...
A study found that women with a history of heart attack were 2.7 times more likely to have impaired cochlear function than those without, highlighting a potential link between CVD and age-related hearing loss. The research used a new technology to test cochlear function in over 1,600 participants aged 52-97.
Researchers found that high protein diets led to decreased hydration levels and abnormal kidney function tests. The study suggests that athletes and non-athletes alike should increase fluid intake when consuming high protein diets.
A new UCSF study found that older men with higher testosterone levels performed better on tests of cognition, including concentration, memory, and attention. However, the researchers emphasize that the study only examined natural testosterone levels and did not prove the benefits of testosterone supplements for cognitive health.
Two new studies published in Annals of Internal Medicine shed light on diabetes diagnosis and management. A mathematical model predicts type 2 diabetes with high accuracy, while a report card reveals significant gaps in diabetes care. Additionally, experts emphasize the importance of preventive methods to address partner violence.
Researchers developed an ELISA test that accurately identifies patients with sensitized immune systems, increasing the chances of preventing rejection in pediatric heart transplant patients. The test has shown promising results in lung transplant patients as well, suggesting its potential to become a routine clinical care tool.
A study by the University of Minnesota Rasmussen Center found high prevalence of covert and overt cardiovascular disease in healthy individuals. Early screening using non-invasive testing can detect risk contributors, such as family history of heart disease.
Researchers found that when treatment outcomes were impaired quality of life, such as severe functional or cognitive impairment, a significant number of patients (74.4% and 88.8%) lost their willingness to receive treatment. In contrast, the impact on preferences was more nuanced with mortality, where only when the likelihood increased...
A retrospective review of 6 cases involving HIV-positive infants whose mothers did not know their own HIV status revealed incomplete application of guidelines. The authors recommend universal HIV testing and counselling to prevent perinatal transmission, while a commentary discusses 5 critical steps needed for prevention.
A recent report highlights nuclear fallout in the US from Cold War testing, which increases cancer incidence and affects global populations. The editorial also critiques South Africa's delay in providing antiretroviral treatment to pregnant women with HIV.
A new breast cancer vaccine called AutoVac has been developed to stimulate the patient's own immune system and induce specific killer cells and antibodies against HER-2, a protein overexpressed in many tumors. The phase I/II trial is currently underway with 27 patients with advanced breast cancer.
Researchers at Duke University found significant racial disparities in heart disease symptoms and functional status among African-American patients. They reported higher levels of chest pain and poorer quality of life compared to white patients, despite receiving similar procedures.
A new blood test, Triage BNP Test, has been shown to accurately diagnose congestive heart failure (CHF) with a high accuracy rate of nearly 90% in a multinational trial. The test detects elevated levels of the hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), which signals a failing heart.
Two Johns Hopkins studies confirm the value of treadmill exercise tests in diagnosing heart disease before symptoms appear. Women with abnormal or inconclusive test results are up to 2.6 times more likely to die from cardiovascular disease, while men with similar test results are twice as likely to die from heart disease.
A state-of-the-art portable ultrasound system is being tested on two Indian reservations in South Dakota to monitor pregnant women. The system, MUSTPAC-3, requires little training and allows specialists to diagnose patients remotely, potentially reducing infant mortality rates.
A UCSF study found that high cholesterol levels are associated with poorer cognitive performance in elderly women. Using statins to lower cholesterol levels was linked to improved cognitive skills, suggesting a potential benefit for preventing Alzheimer's disease.
A new technique uses cognitive testing to locate vital brain vessels, allowing for safer embolization procedures. In a study of 14 patients, 12 showed no significant neurological damage after targeted vessel treatment, while 2 required alternative approaches.
Researchers investigate whether genetics are the sole cause of high blood pressure in Hispanic populations, finding that environment plays a key role. The study reveals that physical activity and reduced smoking/salt use can help prevent high blood pressure in this demographic.
Children with severe stunted growth at age 2 scored 10 points lower on cognitive tests than their peers, indicating that the detrimental effects of malnutrition linger through childhood. Diarrhea caused by G. lamblia parasite also reduced test scores, highlighting the importance of addressing nutritional needs in young children.
Researchers found that stress increases triglycerides in the bloodstream, which can contribute to heart disease. Triglyceride levels declined more slowly in stressed volunteers compared to those who rested, suggesting a negative impact of stress on fat metabolism.
A study by the University of Rochester Medical Center found that people with Alzheimer's disease struggle to perceive their own motion while driving, leading to increased risk of getting lost. The researchers tested 26 elderly patients with Alzheimer's and found they had difficulty judging their location on the road.
Researchers from the Office of Naval Research have developed a retinal microchip to restore vision in the blind. The chip electronically stimulates healthy retina cells, transmitting signals to the brain to recognize faces and read large text.
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that predicting preterm birth remains challenging due to low predictive value of current tests such as ultrasound and fetal fibronectin. The study suggests that prematurity in America is on the rise, with a 23% increase in premature births since the 1980s.
A VA study found that opportunistic screening for diabetes is likely more cost-effective and can be easily integrated into typical office visits. The approach takes advantage of the doctor-patient relationship, promoting better follow-up care for patients at risk of diabetes.
A recent study published in Johns Hopkins Medicine found that women with overactive or underactive thyroid have an increased risk of birth defects in their babies, including cardiac problems and cleft lip or palate. The research suggests routine testing for thyroid disease prior to pregnancy may be warranted.
A study found that employees with elevated or risky levels of alcohol consumption showed an increase in sick days. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) tests were used to identify risk consumers, while the gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test was used for comparison purposes.