International experts in laboratory medicine, osteoporosis, and chronic kidney disease recommend ending routine reporting of albumin-adjusted ('corrected') calcium. The practice may misclassify patients and compromise care due to unreliable correction formulas and variability in local measurements.
A landmark study led by ISGlobal found that combining rapid diagnostic tests with conventional serology improves access to diagnosis for Chagas disease. The prevalence of Chagas is six times higher in an indigenous community in Paraguay compared to the capital.
A novel diagnostic test combining LAMP molecular amplification with a 3D printer-based DNA extraction system shows comparable sensitivity to PCR, offering a simple and rapid solution for detecting T. cruzi infection in newborns. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, which was successfully applied in the study.
Researchers analyzed three tumor markers for associations with radiographic response and clinical outcomes in NSCLC patients. The study found that CEA, CA-125, and CA-19-9 were associated with progression and radiographic responses in NSCLC.
A new machine-learning model using serum fusion-gene levels predicts HCC with an accuracy of 83-91%, significantly improving upon current biomarkers like serum alpha-fetal protein. This breakthrough tool may help identify patients at risk and monitor cancer recurrence, leading to improved survival rates.
SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 17, 2024
Malaria parasite can be transmitted through blood donations, organ transplants, and needle sharing. Dr. Sophie Le Cam highlights the need for more sensitive testing methods to detect asymptomatic infections in donors from malaria-endemic countries.
Rice bioengineer Jerzy Szablowski and colleagues have engineered a synthetic serum marker that enables non-invasive neural monitoring by tracking gene expression dynamics in the brain. This breakthrough allows researchers to investigate brain development, cognitive function and neurological diseases more effectively.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new approach to building point-of-care diagnostic devices that uses gravity to transport and mix liquid droplets. The device relies on commercially available surface coatings that can tweak the wettability and slipperiness of the channels, allowing for complex fluid paths to be designed.
Research reveals that chronic heart rate failure during exercise is a common reason for long-term exercise intolerance in Long COVID patients. The study also found a correlation between early post-COVID inflammation biomarkers and reduced exercise capacity, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers developed human calprotectin ligands based on peptides to detect and quantify the protein in stool samples or serum levels, offering a more accurate and controlled way of detecting biomarkers.
A study of over 45,000 individuals found COVID-19-like symptoms without SARS-CoV-2 infection led to higher rates of depression and anxiety eight months post-symptom onset. Researchers also discovered that negative SARS-CoV-2 serologic test results did not mitigate this risk.
Scientists have found that antibodies targeting βII-spectrin on mesangial cells are the trigger for IgA nephropathy. This discovery enables blood-based diagnosis and may lead to improved treatments.
A research team from MedUni Vienna found that only neutralizing antibodies can inform us about protection against new infections. The study discovered a previously unknown weak point of the virus, which is a conserved site on the surface of the virus.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are testing Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for Lyme disease, which shows promise in accurately identifying infected individuals. The new test could improve Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment outcomes for both humans and animals.
Researchers developed an accurate predictive model to distinguish between COVID-19 positive and negative test outcomes. The study found that symptom features, such as fever and difficulty breathing, play a significant role in predicting test results, with molecular tests yielding lower positive rates due to their dependence on viral load.
Scientists at Ural Federal University have developed a sensor device that determines cholesterol levels without using enzymes. The system uses copper chloride, making the process cheaper, easier, and faster than traditional methods.
Researchers found that elderly Japanese individuals show a low immune response to the third mRNA COVID-19 booster vaccine. The study revealed that nearly 10% of participants had negligible antibody production despite receiving an additional dose. The findings suggest that elderly people may require specialized serological testing proto...
A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a quick test kit that can determine a person's immunity against COVID-19 and its variants based on antibodies detected in a blood sample. The test kit, which requires just 10 minutes to show results, can be easily adapted for new variants of concern and other diseases.
A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a rapid point-of-care test kit that measures antibodies against SARS-COV-2 and its variants, offering personalized vaccination strategies. The test kit requires just 10 minutes to show results and has up to 93% accuracy.
A new study found that young Swiss military personnel with confirmed Covid-19 infections experienced symptoms like fatigue, reduced sense of smell, and psychological problems for up to 180 days. Long-term effects included increased BMI, high cholesterol, and lower physical stamina, suggesting a higher risk of metabolic disorders and ca...
A study by Goethe University Frankfurt found that antibodies against Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 decline rapidly, even after a second vaccination or booster shot, offering limited protection against infection.
Researchers used virus-like particles to identify mutations in Omicron that make it more infectious and escape antibodies. The study found that mutations in the nucleocapsid protein are crucial for enhancing spread, highlighting potential new vaccine targets.
Researchers identified a blood biomarker that predicts severe Crohn's disease and is detectable up to seven years prior to diagnosis. The biomarker neutralizes protective effects of a cytokine, leading to intestinal damage and weakening the immune system.
A team of Canadian scientists developed a scalable serology assay to track COVID-19 antibodies, informing public health decisions and vaccine timing. The assay has been used in over 30 studies across Canada, capturing natural infection and vaccination responses with high accuracy.
A new transistor-based technology has been developed to quantify SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in blood serum and test the efficacy of new vaccines. The device allows for fast and real-time analysis, reducing response times and costs.
A recent study published in The Journal of Urology found that serum hormone ratios can predict the risk of future infertility in children with cryptorchidism. Researchers discovered that inhibin B levels and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) are significant markers of spermatogenesis, helping to identify boys at high risk of infertility.
The Lancet infographic reviews COVID-19 diagnostic tests, highlighting their strengths and limitations. The study suggests that improved test accuracy could aid in pandemic control measures.
A distinctive inflammatory signature has been found in C90RF72 ALS patients, characterized by an increase in pro-inflammatory molecules in serum and cerebrospinal fluid. This finding informs the development of targeted anti-inflammatory therapies for this subgroup of ALS patients.
A new test called SATiN measures coronavirus antibodies in blood and is as sensitive as current market gold standard, while being cheaper and faster
The study found that serological tests detecting previous SARS-CoV-2 infection varied in their ability to accurately identify infected individuals. Researchers analyzed existing clinical data and identified factors influencing test performance.
A new strategy has been developed to fast and reliably quantify the immune response induced by vaccination, revealing the timeline and stage of pathogen infection. The technique is equally sensitive to existing gold-standard methods and can detect multiple target molecules in a fraction of the time.
A new study finds that wearing masks alone may increase daily contacts and lead to more infections if not accompanied by proper public education. The study's key findings also reveal that living environment and profession play a significant role in determining infection risk.
The University of Minnesota Medical School has been selected as one of four Capacity Building Centers in the US, receiving a $6.7 million grant to support its part in the Serological Sciences Network (SeroNet). The network aims to examine the immune response to COVID-19 and speed up testing, treatment, and vaccine development.
Researchers found a significant correlation between matched DBS and serum samples, with minimal differences in results. DBS achieved 98% sensitivity and 100% specificity for detecting anti-SARS-CoV-2 S glycoprotein antibodies.
A head-to-head comparison of five SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays reveals that the Siemens and Oxford assays performed with the highest sensitivity and specificity, meeting regulatory targets. The study emphasizes the importance of accurately evaluating test performance to understand limitations and improve usage.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center found that some commercially available serological tests only detect N-protein antibodies, which may not indicate immunity to reinfection. S-RBD antibody detection is considered a better indicator of protection against COVID-19 reinfection.
A new study by NSF International and Novateur Ventures found significant variability in the accuracy of available COVID-19 antibody tests. The study identified 13 top-performing tests with high sensitivity and specificity, emphasizing the need for ongoing independent evaluations of commercialized tests.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of COVID-19 antibody tests found significant methodological weaknesses, including high bias risk and limited study populations. The review suggests that existing point-of-care tests should not be used for COVID-19 diagnosis due to low sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers recommend additional research on serology test accuracy and proposed strategies to distinguish between naturally acquired and vaccine-induced antibodies. The group also emphasized the need for an interactive serological database to monitor SARS-CoV-2 infection patterns.
A new ECL-based mechanism has been identified that enables quicker, more cost-effective and reliable serological tests. The technique enhances signal detection, allowing for increased sensitivity levels up to 128% compared to current methods.
Researchers at McGill University reviewed available research on SARS-CoV-2 antibody detection tests, highlighting key areas of ongoing research and proposing potential strategies for test implementation. They found that most serologic assays have minimal or no external validation, hindering assay selection and interpretation of results.
Serological tests provide snapshot of infection history and immunity in populations. However, they are insufficient for issuing 'immune passports' due to limited specificity, and may lead to biases in testing practices.
Researchers propose using recovered individuals as a shield to reduce transmission rates and support expanded economic activity. Modeling suggests that such an approach could cut deaths from 71,000 to 20,000 in worst-case scenarios.
Researchers compiled a special report on COVID-19 diagnostic tests, highlighting the need for fast, convenient, and accurate methods. The report provides an overview of molecular and serological assays underlying these tests, as well as over 200 diagnostic tests currently available.
Researchers have created a new antibody test to measure COVID-19 infection and immunity. The test detects the presence of antiviral antibodies, allowing individuals who are potentially immune to be identified and care for patients with minimal risk.
The American Thoracic Society has published its first official guidelines for diagnosing sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disease affecting the lungs and other organs. The guidelines recommend a baseline serum test to screen for hypercalcemia, as well as conditional tests for specific symptoms and organ involvement.
Combining two rapid diagnostic tests effectively diagnoses chronic Chagas disease in the field, showing a sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 96.1%. High prevalence of infection was also observed in the region, highlighting the potential for these tests to detect infected individuals.
Researchers found that serum neurofilament levels are significantly higher in patients with frontotemporal dementia than those with psychiatric disorders. This biomarker shows promise for differential diagnosis and prognostication of the disease.
The guideline covers the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, invasive candidiasis, and three common endemic mycoses. Effective treatment depends on rapid and accurate diagnosis, with recommendations for laboratory tests such as galactomannan testing and polymerase chain reaction approaches.
The study evaluated eight serological tests for VL diagnosis, finding varying performances among non-HIV-infected patients. The ICTs performed best with high accuracy rates, while HIV-infected patients showed lower accuracy.
Scientists have created a skin patch with tiny needles to collect interstitial fluid, containing biomarkers of disease. The device uses surface-enhanced Raman scattering to analyze the collected fluid and detect biomarkers more efficiently than traditional methods.
Standard care home hydration tests do not accurately identify dehydration in older people, according to new research from the University of East Anglia. The study compared results from simple tests against a gold standard blood test and found none were accurate.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care discovered that medical providers in central North Carolina frequently neglect to test for Ehrlichia when treating tick-borne infections. The study found nearly 80% of patients were tested for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, but only one-third were tested for Ehrlichia. This dis...
A new low-cost whole blood test for toxoplasmosis has been developed with high sensitivity and specificity, making it suitable for diagnosing the infection during pregnancy. The test was found to be effective even in individuals with lower levels of anti-Toxoplasma antibodies.
A novel finger-prick test is 100% sensitive and specific for detecting Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy. The test can rapidly inform obstetricians about the need for prompt treatment, potentially saving lives and preventing severe brain damage.
Researchers suggest looking at both urine and blood for answers in diagnosing monoclonal gammopathy and multiple myeloma. A study found that serum free light chain assays can miss abnormal lambda light chains in the urine, leading to false negatives.
A new serological test developed by Brazilian scientists detects antibodies against Zika virus in blood serum with high specificity, outperforming existing tests. The test aims to improve prevention policies for pregnant women and provide more accurate diagnoses.
Researchers developed a point-of-care device to diagnose and monitor neonatal jaundice in low-resource settings. The device, using disposable lateral flow cards, measures total serum bilirubin levels with high accuracy, suggesting a potential solution for resource-limited settings.
A rapid diagnostic test has been developed to detect iron and vitamin A micronutrient deficiencies, providing results in under 15 minutes. The test achieved high sensitivity and specificity for both conditions, making it a valuable tool for healthcare professionals.
Researchers warn that Zika virus is rapidly mutating in Brazilian patients, potentially leading to the emergence of new serotypes. This could hinder the production of effective vaccines and diagnostic tests, posing significant public health risks.