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EU gives green light for while-you-wait hepatitis B test

The European Union has approved a new, inexpensive Hepatitis B test that delivers accurate results within half an hour, enabling doctors to take immediate action on health decisions. The test is expected to make a significant impact in helping to curb the spread of disease and has been developed with support from the Wellcome Trust.

Early test for a killer of the sickest

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new gene-expression test that can detect Candida fungal infections in patients. The test measures how a patient's genes respond to the infection and has shown promising results in mice, indicating it could be an early detector of life-threatening candidemia.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 3, 2010

Rice wins NIH funding for oral-cancer test

Researchers at Rice University are developing a rapid saliva test for oral cancer that can be performed by a dentist in under 30 minutes. The test uses a novel microchip, known as a lab-on-a-chip, to detect specific biomarkers in cells, allowing for early diagnosis and improved patient outcomes.

Study examines treatment for olfactory loss after viral infection

A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery found that glucocorticoid medication and Ginkgo biloba significantly improved the sense of smell in individuals with previous olfactory loss due to upper respiratory infections. The treatment was effective regardless of whether it was used alone or in combination.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateOct 19, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers review prophylactic treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors for seasonal flu prevention, finding them effective in preventing symptomatic but not asymptomatic flu. Improved hand hygiene and face masks implemented within 36 hours of symptom onset also show promise in reducing household transmission of pandemic flu.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 3, 2009

New test for safer biomedical research results

Researchers developed a 'Multiplex cell Contamination Test' to identify 37 different cell contaminations in a single run, detecting viruses and mycoplasmas with high sensitivity and specificity. The test has been tested in over 700 samples and found frequent contamination rates in some laboratories.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateJul 30, 2009

Embargoed news from Annals of Internal Medicine

Researchers found that HIV-positive patients who underwent susceptibility testing had lower mortality rates. Internet-based self-management programs improved asthma control and lung function in adult patients, but not quality of life or asthma attacks. Restricting artificial trans fat in restaurants led to healthier fatty acid profiles...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 20, 2009

Addition of HPV test to UK cervical screening program no better at detecting cervical cancer

A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that combining HPV testing with routine liquid-based cytology (LBC) screening in the UK did not increase the detection of cervical cancer. However, HPV testing detected cases of precancerous cervical cells in the first round of screening, but this effect was not sustained over two rounds.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateJun 17, 2009

New accurate diagnostic test for swine H1N1 influenza using RT-PCR technology

A new diagnostic test using RT-PCR technology has been developed to detect both seasonal influenza A virus and the emerging H1N1 swine-derived influenza A virus in human clinical samples. The test is fast, sensitive, and cost-effective, allowing for rapid identification of infected individuals and expedited antiviral therapy.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalVector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases·DateJun 9, 2009

FDA ignores critical information on home HIV tests

A recent article in Medical Decision Making suggests that the FDA is ignoring critical information on home HIV tests, which may lead to underestimating their effectiveness. The test's manufacturer is unlikely to produce a cheaper version due to retail pricing concerns.

SourceSAGE·JournalMedical Decision Making·DateMay 28, 2009

First 'nanorust' field test slated in Mexico

The first field test of Rice University's 'nanorust' technology, a low-cost method for removing arsenic from drinking water, will begin later this year in Guanajuato, Mexico. The technology uses tiny iron oxide particles to naturally bind with arsenic and can be used in sand filters to treat groundwater.

Is HIV testing during labor feasible?

Research in Cameroon reveals that 88.3% of women are willing to accept HIV testing during labor, leading to a higher rate of detected infections compared to previously estimated rates. The study recommends an opt-out approach for HIV testing during labor to increase the number of mother-infant pairs receiving appropriate treatment.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Pregnancy and Childbirth·DateFeb 26, 2009

Novel economical blood test for hepatitis C

A novel blood test for hepatitis C virus has been developed by researchers at Bonn University and the Bernhard-Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine. The test is significantly cheaper than existing commercial tests, while maintaining equal sensitivity, and can be used to monitor blood banks in poorer countries.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2009

HPV testing followed by cytology and repeat HPV testing may improve cervical cancer screening

A new study suggests that combining HPV DNA testing with cytology and repeat HPV testing can increase cervical cancer screening detection rates without a substantial increase in false-positive tests. This approach resulted in a 30% higher detection rate compared to cytology alone, while doubling the number of required tests.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 13, 2009

A card-swipe for medical tests

Researchers have developed a prototype card-swipe device that can test for dozens of diseases simultaneously, detecting as few as 800 microscopic particles. The device uses giant magnetoresistance technology, similar to hard drive reads, and could lead to fast and affordable diagnosis in medical settings.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 29, 2008

Disease diagnosis in just 15 minutes

A team at the University of Leeds has developed a fast and affordable biosensor technology to detect biomarkers for various diseases. This technology can potentially replace current testing methods that take hours to complete and require specialized equipment.