Articles tagged with Virus Testing
Researchers at Northwestern University have discovered a method to make commercially available PCR tests shelf-stable for up to 30 days by freeze-drying the reagents with a standard preservative. This breakthrough could enable widespread COVID-19 testing in low-resource settings and reduce logistical challenges.
An observational study of over 27,000 US veterans found that risk factors like housing problems and financial hardship were not associated with higher mortality rates among those infected with COVID-19. Instead, the study suggests that other factors such as alcohol use and substance abuse may be more closely linked to increased risk.
A new analysis by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers found that COVID-19 disproportionately affected people of color, low-income populations, and those with certain socioeconomic characteristics. The study, based on data from 394,536 patients, highlights the role of structural factors in the pandemic's spread.
Scientists at McMaster University have developed a new treatment approach for people suffering from VITT, combining anti-clotting drugs with high doses of intravenous immunoglobulin. The treatment's effectiveness was shown in three Canadian patients who received the AstraZeneca vaccine and developed VITT.
Researchers developed an AI-powered algorithm to detect COVID-19 origins in municipal wastewater systems. The system uses automatic sensors and manhole sampling to quickly identify key locations for manual testing and contact tracing, reducing the time to locate sources from days to hours.
Researchers developed a mathematical tool to evaluate the relationship between viral load and case growth, providing real-time estimates of epidemic growth rates. This new metric can help public health officials distribute resources effectively.
Researchers found that prior COVID-19 infections reduced the risk of reinfection by 85% for care home residents and 60% for staff within a four-month period. The study, published in Lancet Healthy Longevity, used antibody testing to determine previous infection status.
A recent study by the American Chemical Society tested five at-home rapid tests, finding they were relatively easy to use with accurate results compared to lab testing. The cost and access to these tests are concerns, but community programs can help offset costs and build trust in testing.
Researchers developed a portable saliva screening test that detects SARS-CoV-2 using infrared light technology, offering faster and more efficient testing than current gold standard RT-PCR. The new approach has significant advantages, including speed, ease of use, affordability, and reduced risk to patients and healthcare workers.
A new plasmofluidic chip enables fast and accurate PCR tests in under 13 minutes, offering a significant improvement over current RT-PCR methods. The device uses gold nanoislands to rapidly heat and cool samples, reducing testing time without sacrificing amplification efficiency.
The new test combines electrochemical biosensors with engineered protein constructs to detect coronaviruses with high precision. It can be used on unprocessed blood or saliva samples, making it a game-changer for containing the COVID-19 pandemic.
A study by Penn State and Quest Diagnostics researchers found a 63% decrease in STI testing for men and 59% for women during the early months of the pandemic. This may lead to an increase in future STI cases, potentially resulting in adverse health outcomes such as pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility.
Researchers developed a method called SARSeq that enables large groups to be tested for SARS-CoV-2 with the same sensitivity as regular PCR tests. The method processes up to 36,000 samples in less than 48 hours and is highly specific and scalable.
A study of healthcare workers found they were three times more likely to become infected during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the general population. However, health care workers who had been infected were very unlikely to contract COVID-19 a second time in six months.
A faster and cheaper COVID-19 test kit has been validated by Simon Fraser University researchers, offering an alternative to existing tests. The microchip-based test can provide accurate results in 30 minutes and requires significantly less reagent usage.
A rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 in saliva has been developed, showing high accuracy and efficiency for mass-screening. The test uses chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) and can detect the virus within an hour.
Researchers developed a new rapid assay principle for viral antigen detection, enabling fast and accurate diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The test can detect almost all specimens containing the virus and has a high theoretical capacity of up to 500 samples per hour.
Researchers at University of Illinois developed a rapid, highly sensitive, and accurate COVID-19 test using saliva samples that can detect as little as one viral particle. The device, called Scalable and Portable Testing (SPOT), is estimated to cost less than $78 and can be operated by anyone with minimal training.
A new microchip technology test kit has been developed and validated for efficient point-of-care testing in remote locations. The kit provides similar accuracy to traditional RT-qPCR tests while using 10-fold less reagents and taking results in as little as 30 minutes.
A new x-ray technique developed by Berkeley Lab scientists may revolutionize COVID-19 testing. The method uses small angle X-ray scattering to identify highly sensitive antibody pairs for detection, promising fast and accurate results.
The new test detects a specific protein (CFP-10) in children's blood samples with high sensitivity and accuracy, identifying TB cases with 100% accuracy. It can detect TB up to 60 weeks before diagnosis, offering early detection and potentially saving lives.
The RAPID technology uses electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral spike protein and provides 90% accurate results in four minutes. The test is inexpensive, scalable, and can be read on a benchtop instrument or smartphone, extending reliable COVID-19 testing to remote areas.
A portable, inexpensive testing platform, called PROMPT, can diagnose gonorrhea in under 15 minutes and determine its antibiotic resistance. The device has been shown to be 97% accurate in detecting the most common strain of gonorrhea and 100% accurate in determining its response to ciprofloxacin.
Researchers developed a gold leaf electrode system that sensitively detects human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA using CRISPR-based assay. The method is simple, affordable and adaptable to detect other viral infections, addressing a need for diagnostic tests in low-resource settings.
A new AI tool developed by NYU Langone Health can accurately predict which COVID-19 patients are most likely to develop life-threatening complications within four days, using chest X-ray images and other clinical data. The tool achieved an 80% accuracy rate in predicting patients who required intensive care or died from their infections.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz developed a novel chip-based antigen test that can detect individual viral antigens one by one in nasal swab samples, enabling simultaneous testing for multiple viruses from one sample. The test's ultrasensitive technique could eventually be developed as a molecular diagnostic tool for point-of-care use.
A new study by University of Virginia Health System finds that COVID-19 wastewater testing can detect even small numbers of asymptomatic cases with high sensitivity. The research offers guidance on the most effective methods to perform testing to detect COVID-19 in wastewater, including protocols for sampling and analysis.
A small study published in Circulation Journal found that most college athletes with COVID-19 had mild symptoms and no cardiac complications. Despite initial concerns, the study suggests an approach to cardiac screening guided by patient symptoms and severity of COVID illness.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed a 3D printing technique for advanced diagnostic tests that can detect various biomarkers, including allergies and cancer. The new tests are quick, affordable, and easy to use, offering opportunities for cheaper diagnosis in both developed and developing countries.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center developed a gene expression method that can quickly identify the source of respiratory symptoms. The test has been shown to be accurate in distinguishing between viral and bacterial infections, with results available in under an hour, improving clinical care.
A new technology-based method, proposed by Israeli researchers, aims to streamline epidemiological research and coronavirus testing. By identifying individuals with a high probability of infection before symptoms appear, the method can reduce unnecessary tests, quarantine duration, morbidity, and mortality.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that Lateral Flow Devices (LFDs) are more effective at detecting higher quantities of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA, but struggle to identify infections in individuals with lower viral loads. The research highlights the need for frequent testing, particularly in early or late stages of infection.
Researchers from Ural Federal University developed a new method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 using electrochemical biosensors made of emerging materials. The sensors offer high sensitivity, specificity, and portability, making them a promising tool for virus detection. Further research is needed to commercialize the technology.
Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine found that primary care practitioners significantly overestimated the likelihood of conditions such as cardiac ischemia and breast cancer. The study highlights the need for better decision-making tools to help doctors estimate risk based on laboratory findings.
A two-step prognostic test can predict patient response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, guiding therapeutic choices before severe symptoms appear. The test combines a disease risk factor score with antibodies produced early in the infection.
Experts argue that universal low-risk testing is unlikely to reduce transmission and encourage prioritizing the improvement of testing programmes for those with symptoms. They also emphasize the need for transparency, sound evaluation, and high-quality testing services in addressing the pandemic.
Researchers found virtual reality (VR) effective in assessing balance and improving postural control in older adults. VR systems can differentiate healthy from balance-impaired individuals and provide a more natural and relevant testing environment.
Scientists from Würzburg developed CRISPR-Cas9 based diagnostic platform LEOPARD to detect multiple RNAs simultaneously, enabling simultaneous detection of viruses and other pathogens. The technology has the potential to revolutionize medical diagnostics for infectious diseases and rare genetic diseases.
Researchers have developed a new pooling strategy that maximizes the proportion of negative results after a single round of testing, allowing for prompt notification of results. This approach reduces the need for reagents and increases efficiency in healthcare settings.
Researchers found that shift working could be just as important a risk factor as already known high risk features such as ethnicity and living in poorer areas. Shift workers were more likely to test positive for Covid-19, with those doing irregular night shifts being three times more likely.
A new concept rapidly analysing for virus presence can detect viruses within 20 seconds, enabling clinicians to decide treatments and isolate patients. Additional tests are needed to identify specific virus types.
A novel COVID-19 test has been created by pairing mass spectrometry with machine learning, achieving high accuracy rates of 98.3% for positives and 96% for negatives. The test uses a mass spectrometer to analyze nasal swabs in minutes, providing rapid results.
A prospective study found serial antigen testing can be an effective strategy for controlling infection during a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in nursing homes. The test was less sensitive than RT-PCR but performed well in identifying early infections and replicative viruses.
Researchers have developed an all-in-one test that integrates COVID-19 diagnosis, variant tracking, and co-infection detection into a single portable mini-laboratory. The NIRVANA test can detect SARS-CoV-2 mutations and report them simultaneously, making it a promising solution for rapid field-deployable detection.
A new study at Tel Aviv University found that the British variant (B.1.1.7) of Covid-19 is 45% more contagious than the original virus, with rapid spread and significant impact on vulnerable populations. Constant monitoring of at-risk populations and vaccination can prevent illness and mortality.
A recent study published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine found that past COVID-19 infection does not provide full immunity against reinfection, particularly among young people. Vaccination remains crucial to prevent reinfection and transmission, even among those who have had a previous infection.
Researchers developed a new test to measure inactive HIV viruses in patients' genes, providing more accurate information on drug effectiveness. This test could help track the size of the HIV reservoir and predict how long it takes to eliminate the virus from the body.
A new diagnostic test, called the D4-assay, has been developed to detect Ebola virus infection earlier than the current industry standard PCR test. The test is highly sensitive and can detect the virus a full day earlier than PCR, making it a promising tool in addressing ongoing outbreaks.
A new test for Lyme disease has been developed to reliably distinguish between early- and late-stage patients. The test targets genetic sequences left by a virus in Lyme-causing bacteria and can detect as few as one bacterial cell in a small blood sample, making it highly sensitive.
A BMJ investigation found that many UK universities are not collecting data on student testing and positivity rates. Experts describe campus testing as haphazard, with a high cost per positive result, likely underestimated due to staffing costs.
Researchers analyzed over 500 subjects and found that people who had COVID produced antibodies, making the tests predictive of prior infection. Rapid screens can predict infection with nearly the same precision as lab-conducted antibody tests.
The NIRVANA test can diagnose COVID-19 in minutes, track SARS-CoV-2 variants, and detect other viruses like influenza. It uses isothermal recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) coupled with real-time nanopore sequencing.
Levels of adherence to the UK's test, trace, and isolate system are low, with only half of respondents able to identify covid-19 symptoms. Intention to self-isolate is high but actual behavior is lower due to various reasons such as needing to go to work or care for others.
Emerging technologies can screen for cervical cancer better than Pap smears, especially in places with limited access to healthcare. Advanced nanotechnology and computer learning are helping develop HPV screening that takes the guesswork out of precancer tests.
Researchers found clusters of COVID-19 cases and deaths in low-income, predominantly minority neighborhoods across Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia. The study highlights the impact of social determinants of health on COVID-19 outcomes.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a VaNGuard test that can detect the virus causing COVID-19, even with mutations. The test uses gene-editing tool CRISPR and yields results in 30 minutes, making it faster and more affordable than traditional tests.
A new peer-reviewed study by Environmental Working Group found that the preservative tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) may harm the immune system, as shown in animal tests and high-throughput in vitro toxicology testing. The FDA should test all food chemicals for safety, according to the study's lead author.
University of Central Florida researchers have developed a new screening technique using nickel-platinum nanoparticles to increase ELISA sensitivity for diseases like cancer, allowing for earlier diagnosis and potentially saving lives.
Researchers have proposed a new group testing method for COVID-19 that allows for 13 times faster results than individual testing. The method involves grouping swabs together and testing them, then using transposition-based replication to further reduce the number of tests.
The Rockefeller Foundation grant supports the expansion of COVID-19 saliva-based testing in Illinois schools, focusing on underserved communities. The program aims to keep students, staff, and families safe while minimizing costs through simplified test collection.