Articles tagged with Virus Testing
The American Journal of Roentgenology review highlights the limitations of chest CT scans in diagnosing COVID-19 pneumonia. The authors recommend reserving CT for evaluation of complications or alternative diagnoses due to its potential for overestimation of sensitivity and specificity.
Scientists are working at breakneck speeds to develop new diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines for COVID-19. Researchers are testing existing drugs, developing brand-new diagnostics, and utilizing gene-editing tools like CRISPR to combat the novel coronavirus.
Researchers found anosmia without nasal obstruction highly predictive of COVID-19. The study suggests that the nose's role in COVID-19 is crucial, as the virus produces mucus containing it in the nasal lining.
Annals of Internal Medicine publishes new COVID-19 research, including a review on diagnostic tests and the critical role of community pharmacists in Taiwan's mask distribution system. Researchers also investigate the inflammatory response to COVID-19, identifying specific immune cells in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Researchers developed a CRISPR-based diagnostic test that screens for cytomegalovirus, BK polyomavirus, and CXCL9 mRNA in urine samples to monitor kidney transplant patients. The assay is highly accurate even at low target concentrations, offering a promising alternative to traditional blood tests and biopsies.
A Mayo Clinic article highlights the risks of relying on COVID-19 testing, citing the high sensitivity of reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing and its limitations in ruling out the disease. Health care officials are advised to consider patient characteristics and exposure when interpreting test results.
The University of Liège has developed an automated test for detecting SARS-CoV-2, allowing for 2000 daily tests. The technique enables rapid and reliable detection of carriers, regardless of symptoms, using a three-step process.
TGen has increased testing capacity to combat COVID-19, analyzing samples from public-health and healthcare entities. The institute's efforts aim to determine the spread of the virus, identify emerging hotspots, and assist in disease containment.
Biomedical engineer Jessica Kramer is researching how different compositions of mucus play a part in transferring coronaviruses from person to person. Her study may help identify those who are 'super-spreaders' and those more vulnerable to infection, leading to faster and more accurate data on virus spread.
Researchers at Cranfield University are developing a paper-based device to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater, allowing for early warning of potential COVID-19 spread. The test uses biomarkers from faeces and urine, enabling rapid screening and quarantine measures to be taken.
New research addresses diagnostic stewardship for SARS-CoV-2, recommending test utilization and frequency based on patient risk factors. The study highlights the importance of considering individual factors, such as age, symptoms, and exposure history, when deciding when to test.
Researchers compared reusable elastomeric half-mask respirators with disposable N95 respirators, finding that healthcare personnel learned to use the reusable respirator quickly and with no additional time needed for fit testing.
Researchers developed a pill-sized 'heater' that regulates temperature of biological samples through different stages of diagnostic testing, increasing accuracy and accessibility. The device can be used in various settings to detect viruses without electricity, reducing the need for specialized training and costly lab equipment.
A recent CDC study shows that DEET and other EPA-approved repellents are highly effective against the invasive Asian longhorned tick. The study confirms that these personal protective measures can help prevent bites from both native and invasive tick species.
A new study finds that fewer than one in four gay, bisexual and questioning teenage boys have ever received an HIV test, despite high risk of transmission. The study identified factors that increase the likelihood of testing, including frank conversations with doctors about sexual health and testing.
A new test developed by a German Center for Infection Research team allows for quick characterization of the genetic material of ebolaviruses, enabling specific diagnostic tests and efficient outbreak control measures. This breakthrough could help reduce the number of lives lost to Ebola outbreaks.
A study co-led by Queen Mary University of London found that routine HIV screening in general practice increases testing rates and improves detection of earlier diagnosis. The analysis showed outcomes comparable to those achieved in a previous trial, with higher CD4 scores among newly diagnosed patients.
Researchers found that children with HIV performed poorly on neuropsychological tests, particularly in planning and reasoning abilities, compared to their HIV-negative peers. The disparity worsened over time, highlighting the need for further investigation into the underlying mechanisms of these cognitive challenges.
A recent study found that under 30% of young patients with substance use history were tested for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), emphasizing the importance of improved screening and treatment. The study highlights the need to connect those found to have current infection to treatment, particularly among young people who inject drugs.
A new online tool called Uniqprimer has been developed to detect blackleg disease in potatoes with high accuracy and ease of use. It quickly designs species-specific DNA tags for detecting pathogens using DNA testing, allowing for accurate pathogen detection and informing farmers' on-farm decision making.
The TB TRIAGE+ project aims to improve early access to diagnosis and treatment for tuberculosis patients in remote areas by assessing novel active case finding strategies. A large-scale cluster-randomized clinical trial will test automated chest x-ray analysis and blood marker triage tests, aiming to reduce diagnostic costs.
Women account for one-third of new HIV diagnoses in the Region, with 54% of cases among them being diagnosed late. Early diagnosis is crucial to start treatment and reduce transmission risk, but current systems are failing women and older adults, according to health experts.
A study found that cervical cancer screening rates decline among women aged 45-65, particularly those with lower education, rural residency, or lack of insurance. The study highlights the need for increased awareness and access to screenings for vulnerable populations.
A new study found that mailed self-sampling kits for HPV testing increased cervical cancer screening by 50% in underserved women, with 88% of testers negative for the virus. However, only 70% of women who tested positive followed up for follow-up testing.
A randomized clinical trial evaluated mailed HPV self-sampling test kits versus standard care reminders for detecting and treating cervical precancers. The study found that the self-sampling kit increased detection rates without a significant impact on treatment outcomes.
Researchers developed a non-invasive test to detect cervical pre-cancer by analyzing urine and vaginal samples collected by women themselves. The test, called S5, measures DNA methylation and has been shown to accurately identify high-risk women with an HPV positive test.
Researchers from Penn-led study suggest that tuberculous infection is rarely life-long and that 90% of infected people will not develop active TB. The study found that immunological memory to the disease can outlast elimination of infection, making it difficult to detect those at risk.
A rapid triage test can distinguish active TB from similar diseases in adults, potentially helping to diagnose cases in vulnerable populations such as those with HIV. The ultra-sensitive immunoassay screens for four blood proteins and achieved sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 69%, respectively.
A fast and ultrasensitive multiplexed blood-based TB triage test analyzes a signature of four proteins and an anti-TB antibody to identify patients with tuberculosis. The test demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity in clinical trials, making it a promising solution for low-resource countries where diagnosing ATB is challenging.
Scientists have linked abnormal tau in the brain to at least 25 neurodegenerative diseases, but current diagnosis requires analyzing brain tissue after death. The new test uses cerebrospinal fluid to detect abnormal tau, offering hope for diagnosing less common neurological diseases like Alzheimer's.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst has been selected as a CDC Influenza Forecasting Center of Excellence, receiving up to $3 million in funding to develop accurate flu forecasting models. The team will work closely with the CDC and collaborate with industry partners to improve public health response and communication.
Researchers found EV RNA in CSF of 4 out of 567 total confirmed AFM cases, but significantly higher antibodies to EV peptides in 11 of 14 AFM patients. The study suggests enterovirus infection as a cause for acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) in children.
A new diagnostic approach detects high-risk HPV infection and precancerous markers, improving the ability to diagnose cervical cancer in HPV-positive women. The test has a sensitivity of 97.3% and negative predictive value of 93.8%, making it a promising tool for cervical cancer triage.
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.
Researchers identified a group of people who appeared to have naturally mounted an immune response to TB despite being exposed for over 10 years. The study found that nearly 200 people from 2500 households tested negative on repeated standard TB tests, suggesting either insufficient test sensitivity or a natural defense.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University are developing a disposable HIV-1 viral load microchip that can detect the virus in whole blood/plasma and provide results in under 45 minutes. The technology is designed to be highly sensitive, stable, and inexpensive, making it suitable for point-of-care settings in resource-constrained areas.
Researchers from the University of Granada tested VINO's O2Amp Oxy-Iso glasses on 52 colour-blind individuals and found they do not improve colour vision but rather provide limited benefits for specific tasks like distinguishing certain colours or improving contrast in specific applications.
Broad-spectrum genomic testing can identify genetic markers that respond to targeted therapies for specific cancer-causing mutations. This technology has connected patients with life-saving clinical trials and medications.
A new metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) test has been shown to identify infections better than standard clinical methods. The test identified 32 infections in 31 patients, including cases missed by conventional testing, and confirmed diagnoses in 19 cases.
Researchers developed a 3D-printed pipette-tip test that leverages the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method. The new technology significantly reduces testing costs and time, allowing for faster diagnosis and potentially making medical testing available in rural or remote areas.
Researchers have generated two antibodies that potentially could be used in a simple filter paper test to detect Ebola virus. The study, published in the American Journal of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, marks a breakthrough in diagnosing Ebola and Marburg viruses, which can cause severe bleeding and organ failure with high fatality rates.
Researchers at University of Manchester found urine testing to be just as effective as the cervical smear in detecting high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer. The study suggests a urine test could increase participation rates for cervical cancer screening among younger women.
Researchers at Colorado State University developed a technology that can detect extremely small amounts of antibodies in a person's blood, allowing for faster diagnosis and treatment. The new sensor can detect as few as 10 antibody molecules within 20 minutes, making it more sensitive than current medical testing methods.
Researchers have developed a new method to detect mosquito-borne viruses in the wild by collecting and testing mosquito waste. The technique, which has been proven effective in detecting three types of viruses, could speed up virus detection and provide an early warning system for public health officials.
A team of researchers detected the Zika virus in feces of nonhuman primates in South America, revealing potential reservoirs. The study used a novel method to collect and test fecal samples, overcoming previous limitations in testing for the virus in other bodily fluids.
A diet rich in green tea and carrot compounds reversed Alzheimer's-like symptoms in mice, supporting the idea that plant-based supplements might offer protection against dementia. Combination therapy is suggested as a potential approach to treating the disease.
Researchers propose using smartphones for disease diagnosis, testing, and treatment in low-income countries like sub-Saharan Africa. Simple testing technologies can be linked into a phone via USB or wirelessly, allowing people to test themselves at home.
Researchers analyzed blood samples collected between March 2016 and June 2017, identifying 40 samples positive for Chikungunya virus. The study suggests the virus may have circulated as early as 2012 and was likely imported from Central Africa.
A large pilot study confirms HPV screening is practical on a large scale and more sensitive than smear testing, detecting substantially more cervical lesions and cancer. The study's findings support extending screening intervals to at least five years without increasing the risk of potentially life-threatening disease.
Researchers have developed a new optofluidic chip-based test to detect Zika virus, which can identify the stage of infection and guide treatment. The technology has the potential to pinpoint recent infections and predict disease progression.
Researchers used fidget spinners to separate blood plasma with high purity in just four to seven minutes, setting up a potential solution for resource-limited regions. The method, which uses the spinner's centrifugal force, can detect clinically relevant concentrations of viral proteins in only a drop of blood.
A study found that screening all hospitalized patients with HIV for tuberculosis using urine tests would improve life expectancy by 0.5 to 1.2 years and be cost-effective compared to sputum testing alone. Urine testing, such as LAM and Xpert tests, can detect cases of TB that would have otherwise been missed.
A TGen-led study has identified a specific non-polio enterovirus, EV-D68, as the potential cause of an outbreak of Acute Flaccid Myelitis (AFM) among children in Phoenix. The finding is significant as it provides evidence for the need to develop preventative measures, such as new vaccines.
Researchers highlight diagnostic pitfalls in Zika and Chikungunya virus detection, particularly for Zika, where false positives can have fatal consequences. Combined testing methods offer higher reliability, with sensitivity improved through the use of Immunoglobulin A (IgA) as a marker.
A resource-based approach for targeting opportunistic infections can decrease early mortality after antiretroviral therapy initiation. The approach requires pre-antiretroviral therapy CD4 testing and can be implemented in even the most resource-constrained settings.
Scientists at Helmholtz Zentrum München have developed an analytic method that can precisely detect viral infections using immune responses. This method could help identify gaps in protection early on and make transplants safer in the future.
Researchers have developed an ultrasensitive test that detects tau protein clusters, which are associated with Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. The test has been shown to detect the protein in small amounts of brain tissue, making it a major advance for early diagnosis.
A pay-it-forward model increased gonorrhea and chlamydia testing among Chinese gay men, with 54% opting in compared to 6%. The program identified previously untested individuals and may be a promising strategy for integrated HIV/STD testing.
A new epigenetic-based cervical cancer test outperformed Pap smear and HPV tests, detecting 100% of invasive cancers in a large study. The test also predicted early cancer development up to five years in advance.
Researchers found that self-sampling kits can improve cervical cancer detection among women not participating in screening programs. Studies showed that HPV tests based on PCR technology were just as accurate on self-samples as those taken by clinicians, but signal amplification-based tests were less effective.