In the News
Included below are news items from the last six months.
Menopause Linked to Worsening Cholesterol Levels
March 2, 2010
According to recently published findings from a study of over 1,000 women, levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C (the "bad" cholesterol), and the protein that transports LDL in the blood, apolipoprotein B, increase significantly in women at the time of menopause. These lipids are all risk factors for coronary heart disease. Researchers suggests that even if women have previously had their lipid levels checked, they may need to have them rechecked within the year following their final menstrual period.
ADA recommends A1c test to diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetes
February 12, 2010
The American Diabetes Association recently included the A1c test among tests for detecting diabetes and pre-diabetes. The A1c test shows the average glucose level in the blood over the last two to three months and has been used to monitor glucose control in people already diagnosed with diabetes. Initially it was not recommended for diagnosis due to high test variability, but great strides have been made in standardization of this test and A1c assays are now accepted as diagnostic and screening tools.
Cervical Cancer Screening Guidelines Evolve for Teens, Young Women, and Seniors
December 28, 2009
New recommendations from ACOG focus on the frequency of screening tests for cervical cancer.
Some blood drives offer cardiovascular disease and diabetes screening
December 18, 2009
Blood donors typically hope to help others, but at some blood centers, donors are now benefiting from programs that screen them for CVD and diabetes risk through cholesterol and A1c blood tests, questionnaires, and basic physical exams. Such programs make blood centers partners in protecting public health and aim to motivate donors to take better care of themselves. These programs may also benefit blood centers by motivating people to be repeat donors and to ensure blood can be used for transfusion.
Procalcitonin test may stem antibiotic overuse
November 25, 2009
According to a recent study, a simple blood test that measures levels of procalcitonin might help doctors avoid unnecessary antibiotic treatment for respiratory illnesses like bronchitis, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease without compromising patients' safety.
New troponin tests may help identify heart attacks earlier
November 6, 2009
New, extra sensitive tests for troponin, a protein released by dying heart cells, may help diagnose heart attacks well before conventional tests can, according to two recent studies.
Neglected Infections of Poverty are 'Hidden Burden' in the U.S.
October 22, 2009
Tropical and parasitic diseases including Chagas disease, dengue fever, and cysticercosis - long considered ailments affecting only developing countries - are found as "neglected infections of poverty" (NIPs) in the US. Laboratory tests can help to detect these infections. Despite the availability of tests, however, these infections often go unnoticed and unreported and there are limited reporting procedures in place to track their existence and movement. Efforts are underway to draw attention to this issue.
Possible viral link to deadly prostate cancers may improve diagnosis and treatment
October 22, 2009
Recent research has identified a possible link between the xenotropic murine leukemia virus–related virus (XMRV) and particularly aggressive prostate cancer, a development that might eventually help doctors identify men with the deadliest tumors and tailor treatment accordingly.
Don't rely solely on rapid tests for H1N1, CDC warns
September 25, 2009
With the spread of the pandemic HIN1 2009 influenza virus, commonly known as "swine flu," many doctors and hospitals have increased their use of rapid influenza diagnostic tests that can determine within minutes whether someone has the flu. However, these rapid tests can not distinguish seasonal influenza from the pandemic H1N1 virus and overall these rapid flu tests often don't detect pandemic H1N1influenza very well, according to the CDC.
Toxicology tests determine cause of Michael Jackson's death
September 25, 2009
Investigation into the cause of death of Michael Jackson has put a spotlight on toxicology testing. The Los Angeles County coroner determined the cause of his death as acute propofol intoxication, with the drug lorazepam listed as an additional primary cause. Toxicology tests are often used to investigate cases of suspected drug overdose or in situations in which a dangerous combination of drugs may have contributed to a person's death. To help further the public's understanding of toxicology testing and its complexities, the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP) jointly released a fact sheet. To read more and see their answers to frequently asked questions on the topic, click on the title of this news item.
NCAA urges sickle cell trait screening for college athletes
September 10, 2009
The National Collegiate Athletic Association now advocates that colleges test their athletes to learn their sickle cell trait status if it isn't already known. Athletes with sickle cell trait are at risk for "exertional sickling," in which intense exercise can cause blood cells to become deformed enough to block blood flow to muscles and cause their rapid deterioration, which can be life-threatening.
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