A genetic test panel can help patients avoid unnecessary diagnostic thyroid surgeries, according to a study published Nov. 8 in JAMA Oncology. More than six in 10 of patients with thyroid nodules of … [Read more...]
EMERGING TESTS
At-Home, Smartphone-Based Urine Testing Now a Clinical Reality
December 3, 2018
In what has been called the "era of the medical selfie," at-home, smartphone-based urine testing is now a reality. In a short timeframe, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared … [Read more...]
GUIDELINES
Ideal Age of Last Cervical Cancer Screening Depends on Test Type
November 26, 2018
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...]
TESTING STRATEGY
FDA Enabling New Point-of-Care Tests for Ebola Outbreak, Flu Season
November 26, 2018
Several recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) actions are bringing point-of-care (POC) infectious disease tests closer to patient care. These recent regulatory wins are enabling more rapid … [Read more...]
TESTING STRATEGY
Evidence Suggests Need for Expanded HCV Testing, Particularly Coupled With Opioid Screening in Young People
November 5, 2018
Current hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening strategies may not be adequate in the face of the opioid epidemic. Previous screening guidelines have focused on reaching the estimated 2.7 million persons … [Read more...]
EMERGING TESTS
Similar Driver Mutations Seen Across Metastasized Cancer
October 29, 2018
Driver mutations that are responsible for cancer growth are similar among metastases in a single patient, according to a study published Sept. 7 in Science. Thus, the authors say, a single biopsy is … [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...]
EMERGING TESTS
Point-of-Care Test Can Increase Access to Toxoplasma Testing
October 22, 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...]
