Articles tagged with Virus Testing
Scientists successfully identified tumor DNA shed into the blood and saliva of patients with head and neck cancer, offering a promising new screening test. Saliva tests fared better for oral cavity cancers, while blood tests excelled in detecting cancers in the larynx, hypopharynx, and oropharynx.
The new VirScan test detects evidence of past viral infections in a person's blood, revealing the vast array of viruses that can infect humans. This method has implications for understanding immunity and potentially identifying correlations between viral exposure and disease risk.
A new device has been developed that can detect the presence of chikungunya virus in mosquitoes within an hour, revolutionizing the field of public health. This fast and easy-to-use test has the potential to save lives by enabling swift detection and control of disease outbreaks.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends starting cervical cancer screening at age 21 every three years with cytology tests, and using a combination of cytology and HPV testing every five years for women aged 30 and older. ACP advises stopping screening for women over 65 with negative test results within the past 10 years.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical are exploring a novel mechanism for Filovirus detection using llama antibodies, which could lead to more sensitive diagnostic tools for Marburg and Ebola viruses. The goal is to develop streamlined tests that can detect all known and emerging strains of these viruses.
Researchers at NYU College of Dentistry are working with Rheonix, Inc. on a Phase II grant to develop an affordable point-of-care test for HIV/AIDS detection in remote areas. The test aims to detect both antibodies and viral RNA in a single specimen within under one hour.
A new test from MIT researchers uses a simple paper strip to rapidly diagnose Ebola and other viral hemorrhagic fevers, such as yellow fever and dengue fever. The device takes about 10 minutes to produce results, allowing for quicker triage and isolation of patients.
A new study by the HIV Prevention Trials Network found that financial incentives had no significant overall impact on achieving viral suppression among HIV-positive patients. However, specific clinical settings such as hospital-based clinics and those with lower patient engagement saw enhanced viral suppression rates. The study also sh...
A new study shows that a door-to-door campaign in a medically underserved area of Philadelphia was able to help vulnerable patients overcome hurdles and access specialized treatment for hepatitis C. The effort involved a comprehensive approach to nonclinical testing, immediate access to confirmatory testing, and patient navigation to e...
Researchers developed a smartphone accessory that performs a lab-based blood test in just 15 minutes, detecting three infectious disease markers from a finger prick of blood. The device has a manufacturing cost of $34 and can be attached to any compatible smartphone for rapid diagnosis.
The Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology has developed a paper-based disposable device to detect dengue-specific antibodies from saliva, enabling early diagnosis and treatment. The device can differentiate between primary and secondary dengue infections, reducing the risk of severe complications.
Case Western Reserve University researchers aim to reduce false negative results in Ebola diagnosis by developing a positive control using plant virus nanoparticles. The goal is to create a reliable test for early detection and monitoring of the virus.
New research shows HPV infection screening alone is more accurate than Pap testing for detecting cervical cancer. The study suggests that HPV primary screening can be used as an alternative to current methods, with recommended 3-year intervals for testing.
A new multiple-target, real-time reverse transcription-PCR (real-time RT-PCR) TaqMan assay can differentiate between patients with latent TB and those with active disease. The assay targets eight human immune markers and has a sensitivity of up to 100% for active disease.
A Rutgers researcher has received a $640,000 NIH grant to develop a rapid Ebola test that can be used in remote locations where the disease has spread. The test, modeled after an existing tuberculosis test, will diagnose patients quickly and accurately, reducing the need for isolation and treatment delays.
Researchers have developed a low-cost, electricity-free device capable of detecting HIV-1 DNA using a small scale chemical reaction. The NINA system can detect infection at an early stage, allowing for immediate treatment and reducing the risk of loss to follow-up.
A new study reveals a stark assessment of the health dangers faced by male sex workers in Mexico City, with 38% having HIV and 21% having syphilis. The study highlights the need for incentives to promote condom use and improve individual and population health.
A new study found that ALS patients have difficulty with verb processing compared to noun processing. The research suggests that motor deficits and language impairment are two separate aspects of the disease.
A sub-study of the VOICE trial found that despite reported high adherence rates, fewer than 30% of women used their assigned HIV prevention products regularly. Women cited fears about product side effects and negative attitudes from peers and community members as reasons for nonuse.
The university is applying 'Star Trek technology' from the national laboratory to improve diagnostic tools for infectious diseases. The Microbial Detection Array can test any sample, including blood, dirt, tissue, or a nasal or saliva swab, and is valuable for public health, vaccine safety, food safety, biodefense, and animal health.
A study by the Infectious Diseases Society of America found that social networking strategies are more efficient and targeted, resulting in 2-1/2 times more positive test results. As many as one in five HIV-positive people is unaware of their infection, making testing critical to prevent disease spread.
Experts at LSTM used a novel modelling approach to project the effects of new diagnostic methods and algorithms for TB in Tanzania. The integrated model compared the costs and effectiveness of different diagnostic options, identifying Xpert MTB/RIF as a cost-effective option with the potential to reduce the national burden of TB.
A urine HPV test showed high accuracy in detecting the virus compared to traditional cervical sampling methods. The test had a sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 94%, with improved results when using first-void urine samples.
A new blood test provides a fast and accurate tool to diagnose tuberculosis in children, with excellent specificity and similar sensitivity as culture tests. The test features sputum-independent results available within 24 hours after blood sampling, making it a major advance for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in children.
Scientists have isolated a mutated polio virus that can evade the immune system and render vaccinations ineffective. This discovery is alarming as it threatens to undermine progress made in eradicating polio, which has been nearly eradicated thanks to effective vaccination.
Physicians at Johns Hopkins have developed blood and saliva tests that accurately predict the recurrence of HPV-linked oral cancers. The tests screen for DNA fragments of the human papillomavirus shed from cancer cells, with accuracy rates of up to 70% in some patients.
A new test developed at CU School of Pharmacy helps monitor the effectiveness of HIV prevention drug Truvada, taken once daily to prevent HIV infection. The test measures tenofovir levels in red blood cells, showing a continuous gradient of increasing efficacy with consistent dosing.
A study found that minority women who received HPV vaccination even after becoming sexually active had lower rates of abnormal Pap test results. The study suggests that incomplete HPV vaccination may still offer some protection against cervical cancer and its precursors.
The annual HIV diagnosis rate in the US decreased by 33.2% from 2002 to 2011, driven by declines in several key populations, including women and persons aged 35-44 years. Despite increases among young men who have sex with men, overall diagnoses attributed to injection drug use or heterosexual contact decreased.
A recent study found that HPV testing alone provides similar reassurance against cervical cancer as cotesting and even more so than a negative Pap test. This suggests that primary HPV testing every 3 years could be an effective screening strategy.
A new study suggests that getting patients in India quickly evaluated by the right doctors can be as effective at curbing tuberculosis as a highly accurate screening test. Improving access to Xpert MTB/RIF, a new TB test, could reduce new cases by 14.1 percent over 5 years.
A new mathematical model suggests that implementing Xpert MTB/RIF as part of a more ambitious rollout strategy, including private sector engagement and referral networks, could reduce TB incidence by 14.1% in India. The current narrow implementation strategy is expected to only reduce incidence by 0.2%.
A new study found that over 80% of oral health patients are willing to receive rapid HIV-testing in dental settings. The test can be done with a simple finger prick or saliva swab and results available within 20 minutes. This could help inform people who aren't aware they're HIV-positive and reduce the spread of the virus.
Researchers analyzed clinical samples from suspected Lassa fever cases in Sierra Leone and found nearly 9% tested positive for Ebola virus. The study demonstrates that Ebola has been circulating in the region since at least 2006.
Increasing cervical cancer screening rates can help prevent invasive cancer. Experts recommend focusing on population coverage rather than choosing a specific test. Meanwhile, the release of Medicare data provides insights into healthcare spending and quality, but lacks meaningful context for evaluation.
Researchers recommend increasing cervical cancer screenings to reduce rates, regardless of test choice. Co-testing with Pap and HPV detects most pre-cancer, but improvement is small compared to repeat Pap testing every three years.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a nucleic acid-based test to detect signs of HIV and track viral loads in patients in low-resource settings. The new test, called qRPA, uses recombinase polymerase amplification and can be performed at the site of care, eliminating the need for complex lab equipment.
A new screening process for tuberculosis uses interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) to detect pre-existing TB infections, potentially saving thousands from unnecessary treatment. The test can identify latent TB cases that may not reactivate within years, reducing the risk of mass exposure in crowded prison facilities.
A study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that nearly seven million Americans seek medical attention for sore throats each year, with one in 10 cases being strep throat. The researchers concluded that performing a laboratory culture can help doctors and patients avoid both under-treatment and over-treatment of sore throats.
A novel paper-based diagnostic test inspired by scrapbooking has been developed to detect hepatitis C, increasing accessibility and speed of diagnosis. The test can conduct both HCV tests on a sample simultaneously in just minutes, solving the problem of patterning paper without heat.
The Ebola outbreak in West Africa underscores the importance of real-time data sharing among scientists to improve public health responses. Implementing a regional diagnostic approach can enhance laboratory capabilities, reduce waiting times for test results, and help determine whether established test methods will work or fail.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed software to design lab-on-a-chip hardware, enabling the simultaneous testing of dozens of medical conditions with a single drop of blood. The technology could revolutionize medical diagnostics by providing fast and accurate results miles from the nearest clinic.
Recent guidelines on cervical cancer screening have left clinicians and patients with a question about the best approach. Experts recommend considering individual patient values and preferences when choosing between Pap testing alone and cotesting with HPV testing.
A team of researchers in Kenya and Brown University will test a community-based breastfeeding support initiative with a $450,000 grant. The three-year pilot aims to improve nutrition and health status among 1,000 mother-child pairs in rural Igembe North.
ScanDrop, developed by Northeastern University professor Tania Konry, is a single instrument that conducts wide range of biological scans in reduced time and cost compared to industry standard equipment. The tool uses ultra-sensitive detection methods and less material to detect biomarkers signaling diseases such as diabetes or cancer.
A new study calls for increased routine HIV testing among older adults, citing high rates of 'late presentation' and significantly increased mortality. The UK's growing population of older individuals living with HIV requires a more comprehensive approach to care, incorporating mental, functional, and social aspects.
A recent study published on bmj.com found that the HPV vaccine significantly protects against cervical abnormalities in young women. The research estimated that three doses of the vaccine provided 46% protection against high-grade cervical abnormalities and 34% protection against other cervical abnormalities.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new method for anthrax detection that can identify anthrax in just five hours, compared to current tests which take 24-48 hours. The new method uses a bioluminescent reporter phage to detect anthrax bacteria and rule out false positives.
A Google Glass app enables quick diagnosis of diseases such as HIV and prostate cancer using lateral flow immunochromatographic assays. The app transmits images to powerful computers for analysis, providing quantified results within seconds.
Researchers have developed a simple immune-based screening test for inclusion body disease (IBD) in snakes, a debilitating condition that affects boa constrictors and pythons. The test uses a monoclonal antibody to detect the presence of IBD in snakes, offering a potential solution for managing the spread of the disease.
A simple protein test may help predict survival rates for patients with head and neck cancer by identifying HPV-positive tumours. This test could allow doctors to choose more appropriate treatments, leading to better outcomes for patients.
A pilot study of 100,242 Mexican women found that large-scale HPV self-testing is as effective as conventional cytology screening in detecting cancer. However, the increased demand for follow-up care led to a decline in clinical quality. The researchers advocate for strengthened follow-up services to support home testing.
A new study finds that FTM transgender patients have over 10 times higher odds of having an inadequate Papanicolaou (Pap) test compared to female patients. The researchers also found that FTM patients were more likely to have multiple inadequate Pap tests and had longer latency to follow-up testing.
Researchers have found that fructosamine and glycated albumin are strongly associated with retinopathy and kidney disease in patients with diabetes. These tests could potentially replace the standard Hemoglobin A1c test, which is not valid for some patients.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital found that youth prefer rapid point-of-care HIV testing due to its speed and non-invasiveness. The test provides results within minutes, making it ideal for transient or homeless youth who may not return for follow-up appointments.
Scientists at Caltech created a lab-on-a-chip device using SlipChip technology that can accurately measure the concentration of HIV RNA molecules in a sample. The digital approach uses amplification chemistry to produce a fluorescent signal, allowing for precise quantification despite changes in environmental conditions.
A recent study analyzing 1.6 million results from 46 commonly ordered lab tests found that 30% of tests are probably unnecessary, while equally as many necessary tests may be going unordered. The research suggests that ordering the right tests during initial evaluations can lead to fewer errors and better patient care.
Diagnosing influenza with a rapid test reduces the need for unnecessary antibiotics, lab tests, and antiviral medications. It also increases the prescription of antiviral drugs, leading to more targeted and efficient care in emergency departments.
The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends investing in new diagnostic tests that can identify the bug causing an infection faster and provide results more accurately. These tests would help protect antibiotics and ensure patients receive the best treatment for various infectious diseases.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that female family physicians are more likely to order the HPV test for low-risk women aged 30-65 compared to their male counterparts. The likelihood of ordering the test also varies among clinics and physician training levels.