Diagnostic Testing Archives - Pulmonology Advisor

Although sensitivity is an important consideration when deciding among HIV tests, there are other factors to consider, such as test invasiveness, available resources, need for additional studies, and patient adherence.6 Serum- and plasma-based HIV testing is the most invasive and requires the most resources, such as access to a skilled clinician or phlebotomist and access to special equipment (eg, needles, biohazard containers, laboratory). Whole blood testing can be performed by venipuncture or finger-stick. When blood-based tests yield a sufficient specimen sample using venipuncture, additional studies can be undertaken, such as HIV subtyping and assessment for coinfections, including hepatitis or syphilis. In contrast, oral fluid tests do not require special equipment and can be performed in any setting, including at home, providing results in minutes. These tests also eliminate safety and biohazard concerns, such as needlestick injuries and sharps disposal.

Identifying Nosocomial Influenza A: Whole-Genome vs Hemagglutinin/Neuraminidase Sequencing

By

Sweta Gupta

May 15, 2019

Whole-genome sequencing was better at identifying nosocomial influenza A outbreak clusters than hemagglutinin (HA)/neuraminidase (NA) gene sequencing.

Lung Infection

CHEST Guidelines for Clinical Diagnosis of Pertussis-Associated Cough

By

Sheila Jacobs

November 12, 2018

In adult patients, pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity were generated for 4 clinical features: paroxysmal cough, posttussive vomiting, inspiratory whoop, and absence of fever.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic Strategy Can Rule Out PE in Pregnant Women

October 25, 2018

The diagnostic strategy includes clinical probability assessment, D-dimer, lower-limb compression ultrasound, and CT pulmonary angiography.

Lung Cancer

Integrated Classifier Identifies Benign Lung Nodules

October 12, 2018

Classifier integrates relative abundance of 2 plasma proteins with clinical risk prediction model for lung nodules.

Diagnostics

Diagnostic Yields of Bronchoscopy Techniques in Pulmonary Lesions

By

Pulmonology Advisor Contributing Writer

September 14, 2018

Bronchoscopy and radial endobronchial ultrasound, with or without a thin scope, produced a poor diagnostic yield for clinicians when diagnosing pulmonary lesions.

Pneumonia

CURB-65 Tool in Community-Acquired Pneumonia Useful But Has Limitations

By

Pulmonology Advisor Contributing Writer

September 4, 2018

The clinical prediction tool that uses confusion, uremia, elevated respiratory rate, and hypotension in community-acquired pneumonia demonstrated an association with ICU admittance.

Diagnostics

CT Bronchus Sign Improves Chance of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesion Diagnosis

By

Pulmonology Advisor Contributing Writer

July 13, 2018

Peripheral pulmonary lesions were >3 times more likely to be diagnosed with computed tomography bronchus sign than peripheral pulmonary lesions without CT bronchus sign.

Diagnostics

Viral Testing May Reduce Antibiotic Use in Severe Lower Respiratory Infection

By

Pulmonology Advisor Contributing Writer

July 13, 2018

Advanced diagnostic platforms to identify viruses can help patients with severe lower respiratory tract infections avoid unnecessary diagnostic testing, reduce antibiotic use, and initiate antiviral therapy.

Diagnostics

Handheld, Wireless Ultrasound Device SONON 300L Now Available

By

Steve Duffy

July 9, 2018

The device is indicated for ultrasound echo imaging, measurement, and analysis of the human body for general clinical applications including musculoskeletal, vascular, small parts (breast, thyroid), and lung imaging.

Lung Cancer

Exploring Overdiagnosis in Cancer Screening

July 2, 2018

Standardized definition and guidance on estimation may facilitate understanding of cancer overdiagnosis.