Only one in six baby boomers report having been tested for hepatitis C virus (HCV)< despite recommendations for universal screening, according to a brief report published in the April issue of … [Read more...]
TESTING STRATEGY
Rule-In Using High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin May Misdiagnose Heart Attacks
May 23, 2019
One in 20 patients without clinical suspicion of acute myocardial infarction has a high sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) level greater than the recommended upper limit of normal (ULN), … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
Serial CRP Results Predict Continued Risk Following Heart Attack
May 13, 2019
Serial measurement of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels following acute coronary syndrome may help better identify patients at greater risk for recurrent cardiovascular events or … [Read more...]
PUBLIC HEALTH
Comprehensive, School-based Cardiovascular Screening Is Feasible, Effective
April 26, 2019
Comprehensive screening for cardiovascular risk, including testing for cholesterol and diabetes, is feasible in middle schools, according to a small study published in the Journal of Pediatrics. … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
Universal HCV Screening of Pregnant Women Is Cost-Effective, Should Be Adopted Nationally, Study Urges
April 26, 2019
Universal hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening among pregnant women in the United States is cost effective and improves detection of HCV among women and children, according to a study published in … [Read more...]
GENETIC TESTING
ASCO Endorses CAP’s Practice Guidelines for HPV Testing in Head, Neck Cancers
April 1, 2019
The American Society of Clinical Oncology endorsed the American Pathologists' practice guidelines for human papillomavirus (HPV) testing in head and neck cancers. The guidelines recommend that HPV … [Read more...]
INSIDE THE DIAGNOSTICS INDUSTRY
The Practice of Early Gestational Diabetes Screening Evaluated
March 26, 2019
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that each year, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects between 2 percent and 10 percent of pregnancies. Experts say there has been a … [Read more...]
TESTING STRATEGY
New Lab-Based, ER Protocol Cuts Invasive Procedures in Febrile Infants
March 26, 2019
A prediction rule can identify febrile infants at low risk for serious blood infections (SBIs) using urinalysis, absolute neutrophil count (ANC), and procalcitonin levels, according to a study … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
With Focus on Cost Cutting, Post-Op Labs Not Needed After Knee Replacement
March 26, 2019
Routine postoperative laboratory testing is not necessary for low-risk patients having elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA), according to a study published Jan. 18 in the Journal of Clinical … [Read more...]
INDUSTRY TRENDS
Laboratory Initiation of Cascade Genetic Testing Spurs Uptake
March 25, 2019
A laboratory-initiated, online effort to reach cancer patients' relatives coupled with discounted genetic tests can increase rates of cascade testing, according to a study published in the January … [Read more...]
