Snake venom helps hydrogels stop the bleeding
A nanofiber hydrogel infused with snake venom may be the best material to stop bleeding quickly, according to Rice University scientists.
Diagnostics
News • Screening
Risk-free pre-natal examination
The newly founded Tübingen company CENATA GmbH has been offering the Harmony non-invasive pre-natal test since May 2015. CENATA has obtained a licence from the U.S. company Ariosa Diagnostics, and is now the only company in the world outside the United States that is permitted to conduct the analysis and evaluation. This examination enables pregnant mothers to test their unborn children for…
Article • MR vs. biopsy
MRI technique could reduce need for breast biopsies
A magnetic resonance (MR) breast imaging technique that uses no ionizing radiation or contrast agent could reduce unnecessary biopsies by providing additional information about suspicious findings on X-ray screening mammography, according to a new study published online in the journal Radiology.
Article • Digital Pathology
CAD in pathology
Computer-aided diagnosis could soon play a greater role in digital pathology. Dr Jeroen van der Laak, an Assistant Professor in Digital Pathology at Radboud University, believes a breakthrough that would increase the speed and accuracy of diagnoses and prognoses is closer than many observers think Report: Mark Nicholls
Article • Cardiomyopathy
Experts: Echocardiography is an invaluable tool
The challenges and advantages of using echocardiography as an invaluable tool in the assessment of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy have been highlighted at a major UK cardiology conference.
Article • Atrial fibrillation
Transthoracic echocardiography
The role transthoracic echocardiography plays in a number of common clinical scenarios was discussed by leading cardiac imaging experts at this year’s British Cardiovascular Society Conference.
Sponsored • CardioSecur
New mobile ECG gives 360-degree view
The conventional 12-lead ECG has certainly proved its worth in displaying rhythm disorders or ischemia. Nevertheless, as the display possibilities of a 12-lead ECG are limited to only about 110 degrees of the heart, an exact location of a cardiac event often cannot be determined.
Article • Diagnostic toolkit
New cardiac genetic testing panels
As new cardiac genetic testing panels become available, cardiologists have been warned not to lose sight of the importance of comprehensive clinical evaluation. While genetic testing is helping to identify more people at risk of inherited conditions, experts stress they are only part of the diagnostic toolkit.
News • Diagnostic station DS20
Modern and practical design unites the most demanded functions
Schiller's Diagnostic Station DS20 simplifies the daily work: most vital signs and physical assessment tools united in one device; large, interactive touch screen; intuitive guidance and ease of use. Launch of the Diagnostic Station DS20 is going to take place at the ESC in London (29th August – 2nd September 2015).
News • AACC News
ELITechGroup announces CE-IVD marking of ELITe InGenius
ELITechGroup Molecular Diagnostics and Precision System Science, Co., Ltd (PSS), a leading global provider of laboratory instruments for nucleic acid extraction, jointly announced the upcoming CE-IVD marking of ELITe InGenius for IVD applications in Europe and the upcoming availability of the instrument as Laboratory Use Equipment in the US.
News • AACC News
New tests to diagnose and monitor diabetes
Researchers have successfully tested two new potential methods for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes in its standard and gestational forms. These findings, presented at the 2015 AACC Annual Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo in Atlanta, may lead to easier, timelier, and more affordable ways of identifying and treating this chronic disease.
News • Aspergillus
ESCMID cautions that Europe is now a hotbed of global fungal resistance
ESCMID Fungal Infection Study Group (EFISG) argues that fungal resistance now represents a huge healthcare threat – with many cases remaining massively undiagnosed even in the developed world – and that there is a rising prevalence of the most invasive and deadly forms. Conversely, in the developing world we are seeing very treatable fungal infections killing huge numbers – half a million…
News • AACC News
Rapid Ebola test could help end lingering outbreak
Research presented at the 2015 AACC Annual Meeting & Clinical Lab Expo will expand on the studies that led to a fingerprick Ebola test becoming the first and only rapid diagnostic for this disease to receive approval from the World Health Organization (WHO). This test could prove vital to breaking Ebola’s grip on West Africa by identifying suspected Ebola cases within minutes, and enabling…
The light of fireflies for medical diagnostics
The lab of Kai Johnsson at EPFL, led by Alberto Schena and Rudolf Griss, were able to add a small chemical tag on the enzyme luciferase, which produces the light of fireflies. The tag detects a target protein, and the luciferase gives out a light signal that can be seen with a naked eye.
Sponsored • Hematology
Sysmex Corporation: The global leader in hematology
Founded in 1968, The Sysmex Corporation has challenged its way past far larger companies to become one of the leading healthcare companies around the world. How? By focusing constantly on one objective: maximising the strength of our people, knowledge and resourcefulness to live up to our mission statement: Shaping the Advancement of Healthcare.
Sponsored • Best Places to Work
A laboratory fit for a future decade
Fostering a collaborative way of working won the UK’s Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust recognition as an elite public sector healthcare employer, recently judged one of the top 100 ‘Best Places to Work’. The trust, led by chief executive Susan Acott, has created an energy-driven, patient-focused culture within the hospital, reflected by staff at all levels. This has been the driving force…
News • Oncology
Easier Detection of Colorectal Cancer
Chemists at Caltech have developed a new sensitive technique capable of detecting colorectal cancer in tissue samples—a method that could one day be used in clinical settings for the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
News • Market
Diagnostic Assays: Seegene and QIAGEN collaborate
Seegene Inc. today announced that it has entered into a worldwide collaboration agreement with QIAGEN N.V. to develop and supply molecular diagnostic assays.
Genetic testing in kids is fraught with complications
American Society of Human Genetics issues recommendations on age-appropriate genetic testing in children and adolescents.
News • Diagnostics
Children: Brain lesions can be challenging to diagnose
Brain lesions in children can be especially challenging to diagnose, according to a report in the journal Frontiers in Neurology by a multidisciplinary team of Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine physicians. Lesions include tumors, abnormal blood vessel formations, and abscesses and inflammation due to infections.
Article • Gentle intervention
Endoscopy jumps the boundaries
‘Health insurers should keep a tighter rein on the quality of endoscopic interventions because, mostly, they represent a gentler alternative to surgery,’ asserts international expert Horst Neuhaus, during an EH interview. Report: Daniela Zimmermann/Juliane Dannert
Article • Diabetes
THE epidemic of the 21st century
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in recent decades the development of diabetes mellitus (DM) warrants the conclusion that this is among the most important global epidemics. Report: Walter Depner
To Stop Cancer: Block its Messages
Weizmann Institute scientists identify a potential drug molecule that stops cancer cells, but not healthy ones, from getting their “mail”.
Article • UTI pathogen
Boosting the Body’s Natural Ability to Fight Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, and widespread antibiotic resistance has led to urgent calls for new ways to combat them. Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences report that an experimental drug that stabilizes a protein called HIF-1alpha protects human bladder cells and mice against a major UTI…
Sponsored • Bad blood
Haemolysis must be avoided
Blood sampling via intravenous catheters frequently occurs because patients in intensive care already have intravenous catheters in place, and patients admitted to accident and emergency units are immediately set up with intravenous catheters – providing easy access to blood.
