A recent study from the US indicates that patients need more than just their results electronically - they also need help in understanding both abnormal and normal results.... Full Story
With genetic testing becoming more common in cancer patients this article adapted from Lab Tests Online US explains the use of cascade testing to detect inherited cancer gene mutations.... Full Story
Researchers in Japan and Australia have just reported results of a new test for early Alzheimer’s disease. This report has caused some excitement in popular media as Alzheimer’s disease is a common and feared affliction in our ageing population. We will explain what this report means. ... Full Story
We have reported previously about “liquid biopsy” type tests for early detection of cancer. A new study reported online in the journal Science suggests that advances are being made in this area. ... Full Story
Current blood tests for coeliac disease work well in discriminating people who have coeliac disease from those who don’t but this is only true if they are on a normal diet containing gluten – the substance in foods that triggers the disorder. ... Full Story
Diabetics who are treated with insulin are instructed to check their glucose levels routinely so that they can adjust their insulin doses if levels are too high or too low. ... Full Story
Personalised medicine requires in-depth knowledge of genetic and metabolic processes in cancers in order to discover techniques to attack specific cancers.... Full Story
The Australian Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC) has just announced that genetic testing for patients with hereditary mutations, including BRCA 1 and 2, predisposing to breast and/or ovarian cancer will now be listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS). ... Full Story
In Australia the current Commonwealth government funded cervical screening program uses two-yearly Pap smears to screen for abnormalities in cervical cells. From December 1st this year this program will be replaced by a new and more effective program that uses five-yearly human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA screening instead. ... Full Story
A report from researchers at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Mayo Clinic recently published in JAMA Internal Medicine, recommends eliminating the CK-MB blood test from use in diagnosing heart attacks. ... Full Story