Articles tagged with Virus Testing
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A UK study found that the SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.1.7 spread rapidly in care homes across England, reflecting its rapid growth in the general population. The proportion of infections caused by this variant increased sharply between late November and December, with a notable rise among older residents.
A new study found that some air purifiers, marketed for COVID-19, can create a suite of other pollutants. The devices, which use ionizing technology, can decrease some VOCs but increase others, including harmful substances like formaldehyde and ozone.
Recent studies suggest that postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by elevated inflammatory markers and autoantibodies. Researchers have documented significant elevations of five inflammatory markers in patients with POTS, similar to those seen in other autoimmune disorders.
Scientists have developed a technique to identify Parkinson's based on compounds found in sebum, a oily substance that coats the skin. The test shows promise for diagnosing the condition quickly and painlessly, with 85% accuracy.
A study found that US states with Republican governors experienced higher COVID-19 cases and deaths after mid-summer, possibly due to differing policies. The analysis suggests that governor party affiliation may contribute to public health policy decisions, influencing the pandemic's impact.
A new study led by Yale University suggests that home testing for SARS-CoV-2 could significantly reduce total infections and mortality at a reasonable cost. By providing households with rapid antigen tests to identify potential contagion, individuals can self-isolate before spreading the disease.
A global collaboration of over 15,000 surgeons found that delaying surgery for at least seven weeks after a COVID-19 diagnosis significantly reduces mortality risk. Patients operated within two weeks of diagnosis have higher postoperative death rates.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute have developed a new colorimetric RT-LAMP assay called Cap-iLAMP, which extracts viral RNA from gargle lavage samples. The improved testing method outperforms previous methods, reducing false positives and increasing detection accuracy.
A study found SARS-CoV-2 present on ocular surfaces in 52 of 91 patients with COVID-19, suggesting potential detection through non-invasive methods. The virus may also be detected when nasopharyngeal swab results are negative.
Scientists developed a new model to assess the efficiency of group testing for COVID-19, accounting for dilution effects and detection limits. The model optimizes group size to minimize false negatives and determine contaminated individuals in a population.
Researchers proposed a novel protocol for pooling COVID-19 tests to monitor spread and detect outbreaks in closed communities. The method accounts for false-negative test results using mathematical models that estimate the risk of diluting positive samples.
A rapid microbiological point-of-care test for respiratory infections has proved popular with GPs and may reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. The study found that clinicians changed the diagnosis in one in five patients following testing and were more certain of the diagnosis after detecting a virus or bacterium.
Researchers at UC San Diego used sewage-handling robots to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater and predicted COVID-19 cases with excellent accuracy. The system extracts RNA from sewage samples, runs PCR to search for virus signature genes, and can process 24 samples every 40 minutes.
Swollen lymph nodes after COVID-19 vaccination can be managed with proper documentation and follow-up care. Imaging centers should document vaccination information to avoid unnecessary biopsies.
Researchers at UC San Diego have created coronavirus-like nanoparticles to serve as positive controls for COVID-19 tests, ensuring reliability and accuracy. These new controls can be used with existing tests or adapted to newer assays, making them a valuable tool for mass testing in underserved areas.
Researchers developed a rapid and cost-effective early warning system using high-throughput analysis of wastewater samples to detect new COVID-19 cases. The system automates most analysis, enabling quick turnaround time and reducing human error.
Researchers developed a new method called biological activity-based modeling (BABM) to identify promising drug compounds. BABM uses a compound's activity patterns to predict its effectiveness against a new target or in a new drug assay.
A new study found that the Binax NOW rapid antigen test is comparable to PCR testing in adults with symptoms of seven days or less. However, the test detected lower rates of COVID-19 cases in symptomatic children, highlighting the need for careful interpretation and potential use of PCR confirmatory tests.
Researchers have developed a novel test to identify viral infections in uncultured bacterial populations, enabling faster and more affordable detection. The test, which involves fusing viral and bacterial genes together, allows for the tracking of viral infections and potential environmental consequences.
Researchers developed a model to identify optimal pooled testing strategies that require minimal expertise and resources. This approach can increase the number of infections identified by up to 20 times per day compared to individual testing, making it a powerful tool for public health efforts.
Researchers developed two new rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19, one to detect variants and another to differentiate with other illnesses. These tests use the CRISPR/Cas9 system and can produce results in under an hour.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center developed a mathematical model to assess the clinical sensitivity of various COVID-19 test kits. The study found significant variations in test accuracy, with some assays missing up to 60% of positive cases.
Researchers at King's College London found that restricting COVID-19 symptom testing to the 'classic triad' of cough, fever and loss of smell may have missed up to a third of cases. Extending the list to include fatigue, sore throat, headache and diarrhoea detected 96% of symptomatic cases.
Scientists have developed a highly sensitive antibody test that can detect all known human coronaviruses, including new SARS-CoV-2 variants. The test uses 29 immune signatures specific to SARS-CoV-2 and has been validated with a high specificity and sensitivity rate.
A study from Keck Medicine of USC found that a mail-in sperm testing kit can accurately analyze semen up to 52 hours after collection, surpassing the current one-hour test. This innovation allows men to provide specimens from home, improving flexibility and accessibility for fertility evaluations.
A new algorithm detects hidden fingerprints in routine blood test results to identify people silently developing liver cirrhosis. The CIRRUS algorithm has an accuracy rate of 90% and can pick up over 70% of cases months or years before emergency admissions.
A new study from the University of Chicago found that asymptomatic cases contribute to community transmission, making up at least 50% of driving force of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This finding supports the crucial role of mask wearing and social distancing in reducing community transmission.
A portable, suitcase-based laboratory provides rapid and accurate SARS-CoV-2 testing in regions with limited infrastructure. The mini-lab uses a recombinase polymerase amplification method, producing results in under 15 minutes.
Researchers screened over 1,100 point-of-care COVID-19 tests and identified 5 direct (antigen/RNA) tests and 6 indirect (antibody) tests that meet the WHO 'desirable' Target Product Profile criteria. These tests have been found to be effective in detecting acute and prior infections.
A new machine-learning framework estimates actual COVID-19 infections in the US and 50 countries, revealing severe undercounting. The model suggests that cumulative numbers of actual cases are at least five times higher than confirmed cases in some countries.
A US study published in The Lancet Public Health journal suggests that weekly COVID-19 testing with a two-week isolation period is the most cost-effective strategy to mitigate the spread of the virus in high-transmission areas. Monthly testing and one-week isolation are more cost-effective when transmission rates are low to moderate.
A study of over 200,000 veterans found that delays in colonoscopy after an abnormal stool blood test increase the risk of colorectal cancer and death. Colonoscopy within one year of an abnormal stool test is recommended to prevent polyp progression and stage migration of colorectal cancer.
A new study found that delaying colonoscopies after abnormal at-home screenings by over 12 months increases the risk of colorectal cancer diagnosis and death. The odds of being diagnosed with late-stage colon cancer increased by approximately 33% at 16 months.
Researchers developed a 10-minute COVID-19 diagnostic test using nanoparticles that can detect IgG antibodies and is priced at about 1/5 of similar devices on the market. The test costs around $5.50, or 30 Brazilian Reais, once approved by ANVISA.
The Holonyak lab team has developed a simple, 15-minute sample-to-answer test for detecting COVID-19 antibodies at a cost of less than $2 per test. This low-cost test demonstrates great potential for widespread use in various settings, including clinics and physician offices.
BIOinFOOD's new test uses genetically modified brewer's yeast to detect SARS-CoV-2 presence in saliva, promising high sensitivity and speed. The test is expected to be available by mid-2021 and may use red light for easy identification.
Researchers at UArizona are developing a COVID-19 testing method that uses a smartphone microscope to analyze saliva samples, delivering results in about 10 minutes. The method combines the speed of existing nasal swab antigen tests with the high accuracy of PCR tests.
A review found that routine surveillance is unlikely to affect SARS-CoV-2 transmission in healthcare settings, and may even have unintended negative consequences. Low infection rates among asymptomatic healthcare providers make routine testing impractical.
Experts argue that UK government should focus on supporting people in high-risk occupations and living conditions with free accommodation, income protection, and job security. A lack of resources and fear of financial consequences are major barriers to self-isolation, leading to low adherence rates among certain groups.
Researchers have developed ultra-absorptive nanofiber swabs that can absorb and release more viruses and biological specimens, improving the sensitivity of diagnostic tests. The new swabs detected SARS-CoV-2 at a 10-times lower concentration than traditional cotton or flocked swabs.
A new electrical detector has been developed for the fast and accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and antibodies, allowing for rapid point-of-care testing with a turn-around time of around 10 minutes. The device uses graphene field-effect transistors to detect RNA and offers an ultra-low limit of detection of 0.1 fg/mL.
A UK modelling study suggests that completing the WHO-recommended 14-day quarantine period after COVID-19 exposure can prevent 59% of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Testing people on the seventh day of quarantine with a PCR or lateral flow antigen test may reduce quarantine time to 7 days without raising transmission risk.
Researchers developed a simple, affordable test to detect hidden blood in feces, helping identify those at risk of developing colorectal cancer. The test has shown exceptional performance in detecting the disease in patients with low-risk symptoms, reducing the need for unnecessary colonoscopies.
A study found that sudden deaths outside the hospital in New York City followed the geographic distribution of SARS-CoV-2, suggesting an association between the two. The rate of sudden death in 2019 was also predictive of increased sudden deaths during the pandemic surge.
Scientists have developed a rapid blood test that can predict which COVID-19 patients are at highest risk of severe complications or death. The test measures mitochondrial DNA levels in the bloodstream, which is linked to cell death and inflammation.
Researchers developed a versatile antibody test to detect IgG and IgM antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, detecting asymptomatic cases and finding suitable blood samples for therapies. The study offers a powerful tool for controlling the pandemic, with approximately 80% of donor blood samples being potentially suitable.
A research team at Florida Atlantic University has developed a simplified COVID-19 testing protocol that detects minimal quantities of SARS-CoV-2 using saliva samples. The protocol requires minimal molecular biology equipment and expertise, making it easily adaptable to high-throughput platforms.
A recent study published in MMWR found that shortening the length of COVID-19 quarantine for college athletes can increase compliance without increasing risk. The analysis showed that nearly 49% of positive test results occurred within the first two days of quarantine, and the positivity rate decreased over time.
Experts argue that UK government's mass testing strategy in schools risks spreading COVID-19, particularly if pupils test negative and return to class. The 'serial-testing' approach is criticized for its reliance on inaccurate INNOVA rapid lateral flow tests, which may not rule out COVID-19 in symptomless individuals.
Experts warn that the Innova lateral flow test lacks supporting evidence and may cause serious harm. The government's plan to widen its use risks misleading the public about test accuracy and implications. Experts call for pause in rollout and clearer messaging on risks until better data is available.
A massive community-based testing blitz in San Francisco found that COVID-19 infections disproportionately affect the city's Latinx low-income workforce, with 79% of positive results coming from this demographic. The study emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to address the ongoing pandemic and support vulnerable communities.
A study of 1,733 COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China found that 76% experienced at least one symptom six months after initial infection. The most common symptoms were fatigue or muscle weakness, sleep difficulties, and anxiety or depression.
The researchers are developing two self-administered scratch-and-sniff smell tests to detect COVID-19. The first test identifies odors such as smoke, strawberry, chocolate, and onions, while the second test reveals sensitivity to different concentrations of the same odor.
A study found that supervised, self-administered swabs were as effective as professional-collected nasopharyngeal swabs in detecting SARS-CoV-2 infections. The researchers identified cases where antigen tests missed infections were associated with low viral loads, but correctly identified high-load samples.
A reliable COVID-19 test developed by Anglia Ruskin University professor Stephen Bustin could reduce virus spread by cutting false negatives and delivering faster results. The Cov2-ID test targets three viral genes, achieving 100% accurate results from nearly 30 patient samples.
The Innovation Partners Institute at Purdue University has launched a new technology tool, KeepOthersSafe, to help organizations monitor COVID symptoms, track test results, and connect users to support tools. The app uses interactive questions to reinforce healthy behaviors based on CDC guidelines.
A team from the University of Cambridge has created an affordable solution for assessing the proper fit of N95 and similar sealing masks, utilizing a simple home aroma diffuser and large plastic bag. This setup can perform similarly to commercial qualitative fit-testing solutions without the high costs associated with them.
Researchers are developing a low-cost, easy-to-use platform to diagnose viral infections in point-of-care settings. The novel technology has high sensitivity and specificity, detecting viral proteins with high accuracy.
A large-scale seroprevalence study in Iran found that around 17.1% of the population has been infected with SARS-CoV-2, with significant variations between cities and occupations. Despite this high rate, a substantial proportion of the population remains susceptible to infection.
Implementing point-of-care testing in hospitals can lead to faster diagnosis, better treatment, and improved recovery for patients with acute respiratory symptoms. The study found that routine molecular POCT for influenza resulted in increased antiviral use, isolation facility use, and reduced mortality rates.