In the News
Included below are news items from the last six months.
New troponin tests may help identify heart attacks earlier
November 6, 2009
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.
Neglected Infections of Poverty are 'Hidden Burden' in the U.S.
October 22, 2009
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.
Possible viral link to deadly prostate cancers may improve diagnosis and treatment
October 22, 2009
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.
Don't rely solely on rapid tests for H1N1, CDC warns
September 25, 2009
With the spread of the pandemic HIN1 2009 influenza virus, commonly known as "swine flu," many doctors and hospitals have increased their use of rapid influenza diagnostic tests that can determine within minutes whether someone has the flu. However, these rapid tests can not distinguish seasonal influenza from the pandemic H1N1 virus and overall these rapid flu tests often don't detect pandemic H1N1influenza very well, according to the CDC.
Toxicology tests determine cause of Michael Jackson's death
September 25, 2009
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 on the title of this news item.
NCAA urges sickle cell trait screening for college athletes
September 10, 2009
The National Collegiate Athletic Association now advocates that colleges test their athletes to learn their sickle cell trait status if it isn't already known. Athletes with sickle cell trait are at risk for "exertional sickling," in which intense exercise can cause blood cells to become deformed enough to block blood flow to muscles and cause their rapid deterioration, which can be life-threatening.
Experts Recommend that Hemoglobin A1c also be used to Diagnose Diabetes
September 1, 2009
Hemoglobin A1c, a test that is now used in patients with known diabetes to evaluate glucose control over the preceding two to three months, could also be used to diagnose the condition, states an expert committee from the American Diabetes Association, the International Diabetes Federation, and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. The committee intends its report to serve as a stimulus to the international community and professional organizations to consider the use of the A1c assay to diagnose diabetes, where appropriate.
FDA issues alert about glucose monitoring test strips and meters
September 1, 2009
In a public health notification issued on August 14, 2009, the FDA warned health care providers and patients about a serious issue with certain test strips and meters that use the chemical glucose dehydrogenase pyrroloquinoline quinone (GDH-PQQ) to measure levels of glucose in the blood. Those test strips and testing meters that use the GDH-PQQ method erroneously also measure other types of sugars that can be found in certain drugs and preparations given to some patients as treatment. This can result in falsely elevated results and, if action is taken in response to the results, serious health consequences may result.
Screening for Cancer: Determining the value of screening tests
August 18, 2009
The goal of cancer screening tests is to detect disease early when it is most treatable. The expectation is that early detection and early treatment will lead to higher cure rates and improved survival. Some common cancer screening tests have met that goal; others are still being evaluated. It is important to understand the risks and limitations that go along with particular screening tests, to be aware of false positive rates, and to balance these considerations when deciding which screening tools should be used, when, and how often.
Many Newborns are Protected from Group B Strep, But More Can Be Helped
August 4, 2009
Since the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed its screening guidelines for group B streptococcus in 2002, fewer newborns develop early-onset group B strep, a bacterial infection that can lead to pneumonia, sepsis, or meningitis. However, even more newborns could benefit if certain challenges were better addressed, concluded the CDC's recent report.
Approval of new HPV DNA tests prompts update to guidelines for appropriate use
July 24, 2009
Two laboratory tests, newly approved for marketing by the FDA, detect the types of genital human papillomavirus (HPV) infections that put women at high risk for developing cervical cancer. These HPV DNA tests add to the tools currently available to protect against cervical cancer.
Ovarian cancer screening strategy seems promising but is years away
June 17, 2009
Combining the blood test to detect elevated levels of the protein CA-125 with ultrasound to spot abnormalities in the ovaries might someday be an effective screening strategy for ovarian cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages, British researchers report based on preliminary findings from the largest randomized ovarian cancer screening study and the first to directly compare ultrasound alone and ultrasound plus CA-125.
Not Enough Young Women Get Tested for Chlamydia
May 22, 2009
In April, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) delivered disappointing data about a problematic sexually transmitted disease (STD):Chlamydia trachomatis. More than half of females at greatest risk for this infection don’t get a yearly chlamydia screening test.
Report Highlights Increased Newborn Screening Rates
May 11, 2009
According to an annual report card issued by the March of Dimes, most states have expanded the required screening of newborns for life-threatening genetic and functional disorders, noting a marked improvement over the past few years.
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