With the adoption of cotesting—human papillomavirus (HPV) plus Pap cytology—cervical cancer screening methodology has focused primarily on the preferred frequency of combined testing. However, a new … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
MSSA Screening Program Cuts Infections in NICUs
November 26, 2018
An active methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) screening and decolonization program in the neonatal intensive care (NICU) unit can lead to a sustained reduction in the incidence of clinical S. … [Read more...]
TESTING STRATEGY
Penicillin Allergy Testing Underused, Could Lead to Cost Savings
November 26, 2018
Once a patient is labeled as having a penicillin allergy, it is rarely revisited. The label sticks and increases the patient's risk of receiving subsequent suboptimal, alternative antibiotic therapy, … [Read more...]
PRECISION MEDICINE
Majority of Patients Unaware of their BRCA Status
October 29, 2018
Eight in 10 patients carrying a BRCA mutation are unaware of their status, according to a study published Sept. 21 in JAMA Network Open. The authors say these findings highlight that previous BRCA … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
New Studies ID Strategies to Address Overuse of Laboratory Testing
October 29, 2018
The cost and quality of care are the focus of improvement initiatives happening at health systems across the country. Like imaging and other procedures, the necessity of laboratory testing, too, is … [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...]
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...]
TESTING TRENDS
HBA1c Blood Test May ID Gestational Diabetes Risk in First Trimester
August 31, 2018
First trimester HbA1c may aid in early identification of at women at risk of gestational diabetes (GD), according to a study published in Scientific Reports. Such early screening could allow for … [Read more...]
PUBLIC HEALTH
Mailed Kits Can Up Colorectal Screening at Community Health Clinics
August 28, 2018
Mailed fecal immunochemical test kits (FIT) and outreach can raise rates of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among low-income patients seen at community clinics, according to a study published Aug. 6 … [Read more...]
