Artificial intelligence- (AI-) based technology is beginning to penetrate health care. Like most other clinical decision-making, several early AI applications rely upon laboratory data. While … [Read more...]
EMERGING TESTS
Metabolite Panel May ID Kids With Autism Spectrum Disorder
October 9, 2018
A group of blood metabolites help detect some children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a study published Sept. 6 in Biological Psychiatry. This panel may indicate alterations in … [Read more...]
GUIDELINES
Rapid Molecular Testing Saves Hospitals Time, Money Ruling Out TB
October 1, 2018
Molecular testing facilitates faster discontinuation of respiratory isolation for individuals undergoing evaluation for active tuberculosis (TB) in U.S. hospitals, according to a study published Aug. … [Read more...]
EMERGING TESTS
Point-of-Care Test Can Increase Access to Toxoplasma Testing
October 1, 2018
A novel fingerstick test may improve access to Toxoplasma gondii testing for pregnant women, according to a study published Aug. 16 in PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases. The study demonstrates that the … [Read more...]
UTILIZATION MANAGEMENT
Blood Test Can Cut Unnecessary Ultrasounds to Rule Out Blood Clots
October 1, 2018
D-dimer (DD) testing is still underutilized for the assessment of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), according to a study published in the July issue of the Annals of Vascular Surgery. Further, DD testing … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
Drug Testing Remains Low Among Patients on Long-Term Opioids
October 1, 2018
A more universal approach to administering and responding to urine drug testing is needed, according to a study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence. Only one in five patients receiving long-term … [Read more...]
TOP OF THE NEWS
Diagnostics Lagging for Tickborne Infections
October 1, 2018
The incidence of tickborne infections is on the rise in the United States. Yet, prevention and management of these infections are hampered by inadequate diagnostics, according to a perspective … [Read more...]
TESTING STRATEGY
Guidelines at a Glance
September 28, 2018
ASCO Endorses CAP's Guidelines for HPV Testing in Head and Neck Carcinomas The American Society of Clinical Oncology has endorsed the clinical guidelines developed by the College of American … [Read more...]
EMERGING TESTS
Preimplantation Genetic Testing Improves IVF Outcomes
September 24, 2018
Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) can mitigate the negative effects of maternal age on in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes by selecting normal embryos that are more likely to … [Read more...]
SPECIAL FOCUS
New Test Aids Lung Cancer Risk Assessment, But Survival Benefit of Comprehensive Sequencing Questioned
September 14, 2018
Lung cancer-related testing is receiving a lot of attention, but recent results appear to show mixed benefits for these emerging tests. There is an urgent need to improve lung cancer risk assessment, … [Read more...]
