Investigation into the cause of death of Michael Jackson has put a spotlight on toxicology testing. The Los Angeles County coroner determined the cause of his death as acute propofol intoxication, with the drug lorazepam listed as an additional primary cause. Toxicology tests are often used to investigate cases of suspected drug overdose or in situations in which a dangerous combination of drugs may have contributed to a person's death. To help further the public's understanding of toxicology testing and its complexities, the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) jointly released a fact sheet. To read more and see their answers to frequently asked questions on the topic, click here.

New, extra sensitive tests for troponin, a protein released by dying heart cells, may help diagnose heart attacks well before conventional tests can, according to two recent studies.

Tropical and parasitic diseases including Chagas disease, dengue fever, and cysticercosis - long considered ailments affecting only developing countries - are found as "neglected infections of poverty" (NIPs) in the US. Laboratory tests can help to detect these infections. Despite the availability of tests, however, these infections often go unnoticed and unreported and there are limited reporting procedures in place to track their existence and movement. Efforts are underway to draw attention to this issue.

Recent research has identified a possible link between the xenotropic murine leukemia virus–related virus (XMRV) and particularly aggressive prostate cancer, a development that might eventually help doctors identify men with the deadliest tumors and tailor treatment accordingly.