The debate over the need for genetic testing of all breast cancer patients for germline pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants in BRCA1, BRCA2 and other breast cancer-linked genes continues with the … [Read more...]
FDA WATCH
FDA Watch: Agency Resounds the Alarm on Biotin Test Interference
November 19, 2019
In early November 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated a previous safety communication about the potential of biotin to significantly interfere with diagnostic tests. The … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
Testing Trends: The Debate Continues Over Regular Colorectal Screening for Average Risk Adults
November 16, 2019
Should adults age 50 to 75 who are at average risk and show no symptoms of colorectal cancer have regular colorectal screening exams? Last month, a major medical journal came out against regular … [Read more...]
GENETIC TESTING
Genetics Update: Internet Use Can Help Patients Self-Diagnose Rare Genetic Disorders
September 10, 2019
The notion of empowering patients to take control over their own health care is particularly powerful within the realm of genomic diagnostics to the extent that patients can theoretically seek their … [Read more...]
EMERGING TESTS
Nonculture Molecular Tests Speed Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections
August 19, 2019
The T2Bacteria Panel (T2Biosystems; Lexington, Mass.) can rapidly and accurately diagnoses bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by five common bacteria, according to a study published May 14 in the … [Read more...]
TESTING STRATEGY
Upfront Next-Generation Sequencing for Lung Cancer Patients Saves Time, Money
August 5, 2019
Use of upfront next-generation sequencing (NGS) testing at diagnosis of patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) is associated with substantial cost savings, according to a study … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
Genetic Testing Guidelines for Hereditary Cancer Miss Many At Risk
July 28, 2019
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network genetic testing criteria for hereditary cancer miss almost one in five at-risk for breast and ovarian cancer, and more than one in three at-risk for Lynch … [Read more...]
GENETIC TESTING
Expanded Access to Genetic Testing for Cardiomyopathy Is Cost Effective
July 22, 2019
Expansion of genetic testing in asymptomatic relatives of patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) to guide clinical surveillance is cost-effective, according to a study published in Genetics in … [Read more...]
TESTING STRATEGY
Routine Urine Test Can Screen for Medication Adherence at Primary Care Visit
July 22, 2019
A single urine spot sample can be used to objectively screen for nonadherence to diabetes medications in the primary care setting, according to a study published in the June issue of Diabetes Care. … [Read more...]
TESTING TRENDS
Search Intensifies for Markers for Prosthetic Joint Infection
June 26, 2019
Nearly one million total hip arthroplasties and total knee arthroplasties are performed in the United States each year, a number that is expected to continue to increase for decades given the aging of … [Read more...]
