Researchers found that validating accuracy of in vitro diagnostic tests carried costs and had higher true limits of detection than reported. The study suggests mechanisms for expanded regulatory oversight by the FDA, including technology certification to assess performance of complex diagnostic tests.
A new saliva test for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) has been shown to be feasible and well-received by parents, with high uptake and accuracy rates. The test could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of cCMV-related hearing loss and neurodevelopmental disorders.
A new study confirms that Rockefeller University's saliva test is as sensitive, if not more so, than FDA-authorized nasal and oral swab tests. The test has been used tens of thousands of times to identify and isolate infected individuals on campus and has the potential to improve safety in communities.
A team of researchers from the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology has developed a fast, accurate, and cost-effective COVID-19 test. Using label-free microscopic imaging combined with artificial intelligence, they can detect and classify SARS-CoV-2 in under one minute.
The Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology has developed a 'lab-free, lab-quality' testing method for RNA viruses called RICCA, which can detect low copy numbers of virus RNA directly from saliva without laboratory processing. This method has the potential to decentralize COVID-19 molecular diagnosis in developing countries.
Researchers developed lab-on-a-chip optical biosensors for real-time COVID-19 detection, overcoming low viral load challenges. These sensors utilize light beam interactions to detect viruses, enabling faster diagnosis and controlling outbreaks.
A UNSW psychology researcher recommends a set of neurocognitive and mental health questionnaires to harmonize the assessment of long COVID patients. These tests can be used internationally and in various cultural settings to address key questions about the problem, including brain fog and dementia risks.
Weekly saliva tests contributed to low transmission rates among students, teachers, and staff at schools serving children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Safety protocols, including masking and social distancing, helped maintain low transmission rates.
Researchers at West Virginia University are monitoring wastewater statewide for COVID-19 using an egg-shaped robot that collects samples every 20 minutes. The project aims to develop a testing network throughout the state, providing early indicators of changes in community-level spread of COVID-19.
A large study found that people with hypertension or diabetes often lack a simple urine test for protein in the urine, despite being at high risk of chronic kidney disease. The researchers suggest widening albuminuria testing to detect early chronic kidney diseases and emphasize the importance of treatment.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham have confirmed a novel COVID-19 testing method called RTF-EXPAR that is highly sensitive and fast, giving results in under 10 minutes even at low viral levels. The test was shown to be equivalent to PCR and LAMP tests but faster.
Researchers at the National Eye Institute developed a new sample preparation method to detect SARS-Cov-2, simplifying purification and potentially reducing test time and cost. The method uses a chelating agent to preserve RNA in samples, allowing for direct detection and increasing sensitivity.
Researchers found that college students with low viral loads can still transmit the virus, and Ct values are not a reliable predictor of transmissibility. The study suggests that symptomatic individuals tend to have higher viral loads or maintain their viral loads for longer periods.
A large-scale surveillance study in Madurai, India, found that comorbidities are a significant predictor of positive RT-PCR testing. The study also revealed an equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults, highlighting the importance of non-communicable disease control in COVID-19 containment s...
A new genosensor, developed by a Brazilian research team, can detect the genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 in saliva or other body fluids with high sensitivity. The device can analyze samples in 30 minutes for a cost of less than $1 per genosensor.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital found that crowding in prisons significantly increases the risk of COVID-19 infections among inmates. The study suggests that policy changes are necessary to protect this vulnerable population and notes that even a small increase in crowding can pose a significant threat.
A new tabletop diagnostic device can detect COVID-19 from saliva samples in about an hour, with accuracy comparable to PCR tests. The device uses CRISPR technology and can be programmed to detect specific variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
The Minimally Instrumented SHERLOCK (miSHERLOCK) test uses CRISPR-based technology to detect multiple COVID-19 variants in saliva samples, providing faster and more accurate diagnoses. The low-cost device, costing $6 per assay, can be assembled using a 3D printer and provides results within one hour.
A study used Bayesian framework to estimate viral prevalence based on available data sources, finding approximately 60% of infections may have gone unreported. The model suggests the estimated true number of infections is far below potential herd immunity thresholds and that immunization can achieve herd immunity without fatalities.
Researchers developed a statistical framework to model COVID-19's true prevalence, estimating 19.7% of US residents infected and 60% of cases uncounted. The approach provides a more accurate picture of the pandemic's burden, helping officials direct resources accordingly.
The ASCCP Task Force supports the ACS's 2020 cervical cancer screening guidelines, which recommend primary HPV testing. During the transition to primary HPV screening, the Task Force endorses any cervical cancer screening approach, including co-testing and cervical cytology alone.
A computational analysis suggests that rapid antigen tests can achieve similar epidemiological outcomes as RT-PCR tests if enough people are tested. The study's findings have implications for policy changes and optimizing testing strategies in lower-income countries.
A computational analysis of COVID-19 tests suggests that using less sensitive rapid antigen tests can achieve similar outcomes as more sensitive RT-PCR tests if a high number of people are tested. This approach could allow governments in lower and middle-income countries to ramp up testing and reduce the number of infections.
Researchers identified cardiovascular test results that may indicate high-risk COVID-19 patients, including low left ventricular ejection fraction and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion. These findings suggest clinical parameters can help predict in-hospital mortality for COVID-19 patients.
Two recent studies link EBV reactivation to long COVID symptoms and severe COVID-19 cases. Researchers found that nearly 73% of patients with long COVID were positive for EBV reactivation, suggesting a potential role for the virus in the development of these symptoms.
Researchers have created a blood test that can predict COVID-19 severity, which could aid in prioritizing patients for hospitalization. The test uses attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to measure changes in blood biochemistry and has shown promise as a rapid and simple triaging tool.
The Virginia Tech Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory developed a novel test for COVID-19, targeting three regions of the gene for increased accuracy. The lab has processed over 130,000 tests since April 2020, expanding public health lab testing capacity in Southwest Virginia.
A Spanish study found that same-day rapid screening, face mask use, and improved ventilation significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates at an indoor concert with no physical distancing. The research suggests protocols for preventing virus transmission during such events.
A rapid method to quantify antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 has been developed by scientists at Hokkaido University. The test is highly accurate, quick, and easy to perform, requiring only 20 minutes to complete.
A new USGS-led study outlines a means to better estimate COVID-19 occurrence and trends in populations by utilizing coordinated sampling and statistical analysis. This approach will help health officials make informed decisions about vaccine effectiveness, social distancing measures and other mitigation efforts.
A study by Queen Mary University of London and University of Oxford found that lateral flow tests are 95% effective in detecting Covid-19 when used at the onset of symptoms. The findings support using lateral flow tests as an alternative to PCR testing among symptomatic patients.
A study in Switzerland found that people living in poorer neighborhoods were less likely to be tested for COVID-19, but more likely to test positive, be hospitalized, or die compared to those in wealthier areas. The study also found stronger associations between neighborhood socioeconomic position and outcomes in younger age groups.
A study of 30,000 RT-PCR tests on players and staff reveals an 11.7% infection rate, comparable to that among health workers, emphasizing the virus's transmission potential within sports communities. Severe cases were more frequent among staff, who are older and less healthy.
Researchers found that proactive, frequent rapid testing is more effective at preventing large transmission clusters than delayed measures. Regular screening identified asymptomatic infections before symptoms developed, leading to a significant reduction in outbreaks.
A study by University of Gothenburg researchers found that Swedish men who performed well in physical fitness tests during military conscription had a lower risk of needing hospital care for COVID-19 up to 50 years later. Good fitness and strength levels in youth were also associated with reduced risk of severe COVID, including death.
Cases of flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) plummeted during the COVID-19 pandemic due to social distancing, school closures, and mask use. The study suggests that infection with COVID-19 may have provided protection against other respiratory viruses through viral interference.
Cancer screenings experienced a sharp increase in the last quarter of 2020, following a decline during the early pandemic months. Racial and socioeconomic disparities were found to persist among users of some screening tests, with mammography showing significant shifts in patient distribution.
The team's real-world results demonstrate the potential of SwabSeq to be used for population-wide testing on an unprecedented scale. The test has shown extremely high sensitivity and specificity, making it a promising solution for scaling up COVID-19 testing.
A new study found that frequent COVID-19 testing, especially using polymerase chain reaction tests paired with rapid results reporting, can achieve 98% sensitivity in detecting infection. This approach can be particularly effective in places where vaccination is not yet widespread or when variants are on the rise.
A Brazilian study found that a lack of exercise during quarantine increased cholesterol and glycated hemoglobin levels in women aged 50-70, while also reducing muscle strength and aerobic capacity. The findings highlight the importance of promoting physical activity safely during periods of social distancing or isolation.
A new study from Aarhus University found that patients with mild COVID-19 infections experience a significantly increased longer lasting reduced sense of taste and smell, which is also the case for long-term shortness of breath. Women and the elderly are particularly affected by these symptoms.
The LAMP-Seq test developed at the University Hospital Bonn detects SARS-CoV-2 infections with a sensitivity comparable to qPCR tests, while reducing costs through high-throughput sequencing. This allows for systematic testing in schools and companies, helping to prevent chain of infection.
The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus is highlighted for its record of turning discoveries into commercially viable products. The campus has developed vaccines and collaborated with industry partners to distribute them globally, improving patient care and public health.
Researchers from University of Bath's Institute for Mathematical Innovation offer free virtual workshop to solve challenges posed by holding large events safely. The three-day event will bring together mathematical scientists and other disciplines to model transmission rates, queuing risks, and physical interventions.
A new tablet-sized device can detect multiple COVID-19 antibodies and biomarkers simultaneously, distinguishing between SARS-CoV-2 and four other coronaviruses with 100% accuracy. The test also shows promise in predicting COVID-19 case severity and immunity against variants.
Researchers at McMaster University developed a hand-held rapid test for bacterial infections that can produce accurate results in under an hour. The test distinguishes between treatable and resistant bacteria, helping to combat antimicrobial resistance.
Researchers at TUM created a low-cost, automated rapid test for detecting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies with high sensitivity and specificity. The test can determine antibody concentrations and has the potential to answer questions about corona immunity, vaccinations, and disease progression.
Researchers developed a blood test that analyzes circulating tumor DNA to predict treatment response in metastatic HPV-positive throat cancer. The test showed promise in identifying non-responding patients months earlier than standard imaging scans.
The study found that asymptomatic COVID-19 testing was popular in Liverpool, but disparities were evident between those who got tested and those who didn't. Lower uptake of testing was observed in the most deprived areas and among Black, Asian, and other non-White ethnic groups.
The Vigilant platform combines reverse transcription-recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) with bacterial enzymes to detect SARS-CoV-2 gene sequences. This method produces comparably reliable results as PCR tests but is cheaper and easier to use, making it suitable for non-laboratory settings.
Researchers developed an AI-powered app to improve the accuracy of HIV test results, particularly for laypeople. The app achieved 98.9% accuracy in classifying images, reducing errors compared to traditional interpretation.
The Hackensack Meridian Center for Discovery and Innovation has developed the EV-CATCHER methodology, identifying and capturing tiny pieces of genetic material. This technology shows promise in diagnosing and treating diseases such as cancer early on.
Researchers at Osaka University have created a new, highly sensitive test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus that uses artificial intelligence and nanopore technology. The test platform achieved a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 96% for SARS-CoV-2 detection in just five minutes using clinical saliva samples.
A new study validates the Xpert Ultra molecular test as a frontline tool in routine conditions, showing improved sensitivity over its predecessor. The test detects tuberculosis cases with lower bacterial burdens and can identify asymptomatic cases in early stages of the disease.
A study of 3,758 individuals found that those with diabetes, obesity, rheumatologic disease, or organ transplants had longer positive PCR test results. The median length of time for negative results was 16-22 days in immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised groups respectively.
Researchers from King's College London have identified potential modifications to Lateral Flow Devices that can improve their sensitivity and accuracy. The study found that the technology behind the devices is highly accurate but faces limitations in read-out technology.
Two new rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19 have been developed, detecting the virus in as little as five minutes and showing high sensitivity even in low levels of infection. The tests use innovative techniques that improve accuracy and do not require advanced laboratory techniques.
A review of over 9,000 US patients with severe COVID-19 found less than 1% contracted the virus again, with an average reinfection time of 3.5 months. Patients categorized as non-white were at greater risk of reinfection.
An AI-enhanced EKG can detect subtle electrical changes in the heart associated with COVID-19 infection, offering a potential rapid and reliable screening test. The technology achieved positive predictive values of up to 37% and negative predictive values of 99.2% in real-world populations.
A recent study found that daily COVID-19 testing in the NFL enabled early detection of infections, even among asymptomatic individuals. The study also revealed disparities in vaccination rates among healthcare workers, with lower rates among Black and Hispanic employees compared to their Asian and White counterparts.