Tag

Medical Testing

All articles tagged with #medical testing

health1 day ago•4 min saved

Cramping fatigue? What low magnesium levels might really signal

Low magnesium can affect muscles, nerves, energy and heart rhythm, but fatigue or cramps don’t prove deficiency; absorption problems (diarrhea, GI disorders), diabetes, alcohol use and certain medications can lower levels. Diagnosis requires medical history and tests, not symptoms alone. Include magnesium-rich foods (nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains, leafy greens); in some cases replacement or IV treatment is needed under medical supervision. Supplements aren’t risk-free and can cause diarrhea, especially with kidney impairment. Urgent red flags include irregular heartbeat, fainting or seizures—seek medical care promptly.

via The Times of India|

#cramps #fatigue #health

health2 months ago•5 min saved

Screening Paradox: Why More Tests Don’t Always Improve Your Health

A health explainer warns that more testing isn’t always better: essential screenings like blood sugar and blood pressure can prevent disease, but direct-to-consumer tests and whole-body MRIs often yield incidental findings that lead to costly, unnecessary follow-up and anxiety. Clinicians should guide testing with evidence-based, life-stage recommendations, and readers are urged to question whether a test reduces mortality or just increases diagnoses. In the meantime, focusing on proven basics—healthy lifestyle, regular care, and meaningful activities—remains the best path to health.

via The Guardian|

#direct-to-consumer #health #medical-testing

health10 months ago•4 min saved

Assessing the Accuracy of Coronary Calcium Scores

A coronary calcium score, measured by a fast CT scan, is a reliable indicator of potential heart artery blockages, especially useful for individuals with risk factors like diabetes. While a high score suggests increased risk, it does not guarantee future blockages, and decisions about medication should be made with a healthcare provider, possibly using tools like the MESA calculator. The test results are generally accurate, and repeat testing is usually unnecessary unless advised by a doctor.

via OregonLive.com|

#coronary-calcium-score #diabetes #health

health10 months ago•2 min saved

Investigation Uncovers Shocking Truth Behind Toddler's STD Diagnosis at Georgia Urgent Care

A Georgia family experienced a traumatic ordeal after their 5-year-old daughter was falsely diagnosed with STDs due to a lab testing error, highlighting concerns about diagnostic accuracy and sample handling in medical testing processes.

via The Root|

#child-health #diagnostic-errors #health

health1 year ago•8 min saved

Unexpected Blood Test Reveals Surprising Cholesterol Results

Function Health offers a $500 annual membership for comprehensive blood and urine testing that provides personalized health insights and recommendations, but the article highlights the importance of medical interpretation and cautions against overreacting to complex data without professional guidance.

via Business Insider|

#blood-test #function-health #health

health2 years ago•3 min saved

"Uncovering Misdiagnosed Chickenpox Cases in the US"

Due to the success of the chickenpox vaccination campaign in the US, the disease has become so rare that doctors are misdiagnosing it half the time. A report from the Minnesota Department of Health found that only 37 percent of suspected chickenpox cases actually tested positive for the virus, with one-fifth of those cases being 'breakthrough' chickenpox in vaccinated individuals. The study highlights the importance of laboratory confirmation of varicella, especially in vaccinated patients, and suggests that the clinical diagnosis of chickenpox can be unreliable. This diagnostic challenge is a consequence of the significant reduction in chickenpox cases following widespread vaccination.

via ScienceAlert|

#chickenpox #diagnosis #health

sports2 years ago•1 min saved

Marvin Harrison Jr. Absent from Media Availability

Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. became one of the first players to skip his media availability at the NFL Scouting Combine, with no official reason given for his absence. While Hall of Famer Cris Carter defended Harrison, stating he was undergoing medical testing, the NFL did not confirm this. Unlike other players who have been delayed due to medical checks, Harrison's decision not to fulfill his media obligation has left reporters in the dark.

via NBC Sports|

#marvin-harrison-jr #media-availability #medical-testing

sports2 years ago•1 min saved

"Caleb Williams Makes Exception for Chicago Bears, Skips Medical Testing at NFL Combine"

Quarterback Caleb Williams has decided not to undergo medical testing at the NFL Scouting Combine, a departure from the usual process where medical results are shared with all teams. He plans to do medical exams when meeting with individual teams later in the pre-draft process. Williams, expected to be the first overall pick, will address his decision at the Combine, potentially shedding light on his unique approach.

via NBC Sports|

#caleb-williams #medical-testing #nfl-scouting-combine

health-and-legal2 years ago•1 min saved

"Elizabeth Holmes Receives 90-Year Ban from Federal Health Programs"

Elizabeth Holmes, founder of Theranos, has been banned from federal health programs for 90 years following her conviction for fraud related to the inaccurate and faulty blood-testing claims made by her startup. The Health and Human Services Department can exclude individuals convicted of certain felonies from Medicare, Medicaid, and Pentagon health programs, essentially barring them from working in the broader health care system. The ban is a result of "certain aggravating factors" such as the longevity of Theranos' fraud and Holmes' imprisonment. This decision comes after a trial that determined the unreliability of Theranos' testing technology, which had raised hundreds of millions of dollars and involved partnerships with prominent entities before its downfall.

via STAT|

#elizabeth-holmes #government-programs #health-and-legal

health2 years ago•12 min saved

Understanding High Cortisol Levels: A Comprehensive Guide

The concept of high cortisol has become popular on social media platforms like TikTok, with influencers attributing various symptoms like weight gain, poor sleep, and acne to elevated cortisol levels. While high cortisol is a real medical condition, it is important to understand that not all high cortisol is the same. Stress-related cortisol peaks are transient and can be managed through lifestyle changes, while high cortisol caused by underlying diseases like tumors requires medical intervention. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and testing. Additionally, online supplements and tests claiming to lower cortisol levels are not supported by reliable studies. Managing stress, getting quality sleep, exercising, and finding healthy coping mechanisms are key to maintaining cortisol levels.

via The Cut|

#cortisol #health #hormones

science-and-environment3 years ago•2 min saved

"The Enigmatic Beauty of Wet Horseshoe Crab Shells Revealed Up Close"

Horseshoe crabs, ancient creatures that appear fossilized, are being bled for their milky blue blood, which is used to detect toxins in medicine. Half a million horseshoe crabs are caught and drained of a third of their blood each year. The crabs are yanked from the water, transported to bleeding facilities, and injected with a needle to extract their blood. The eggs of these prehistoric creatures, laid during spawning events, hold small green creatures that seem to delight in somersaulting against their eggshells. Horseshoe crabs play a crucial role in medical testing, protecting millions of people who receive flu shots, childhood immunizations, heart stents, or hip replacements.

via The Guardian|

#blood-harvesting #conservation #horseshoe-crabs

sports3 years ago•1 min saved

Terry Francona Hospitalized, Misses Guardians Game Due to Illness

Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona is undergoing further medical testing after feeling ill before a game against the Kansas City Royals. The 64-year-old, who has a history of physical issues, was taken to the hospital out of caution. Bench coach DeMarlo Hale is managing the team in Francona's absence. Francona has been with the Guardians for 11 seasons and has led them to multiple playoff appearances.

via WJW FOX 8 News Cleveland|

#cleveland-guardians #demarlo-hale #kansas-city-royals

health3 years ago•1 min saved

Testing company's error causes cancer scare for hundreds

More than 400 people who signed up for Grail Inc.'s early-warning cancer test were mistakenly told they likely had the disease due to a "software configuration issue" by telemedicine vendor PWNHealth. The warnings were sent to half of the trial testing participants, some of whom had not even had their blood drawn yet. Grail confirmed that the software mishap had been resolved and was not related to an incorrect Galleri test result. The mistake has caused concern among some insurers involved in the trials.

via New York Post |

#cancer #early-detection #grail-inc

health3 years ago•2 min saved

FDA Eases Blood Donation Restrictions for Gay and Bisexual Men

The FDA has updated its guidelines for blood donors, allowing gay and bisexual men in monogamous relationships to donate blood without abstaining from sex. The new approach evaluates individual risks for HIV based on sexual behavior and recent partners, rather than sexual orientation. Potential donors who report having anal sex with new partners in the last three months will be barred from giving until a later date. The FDA noted that anyone who has ever tested positive for HIV will continue to be ineligible to donate blood.

via Newser|

#blood-donors #fda #health

health3 years ago•8 min saved

Discover Your Blood Type: A Guide for Americans.

Nearly a third of Americans don’t know their blood type, which can be useful during an emergency or when donating blood. Blood tests, blood donations, at-home testing kits, and saliva tests can all determine blood type, but some options are more reliable than others. Knowing your blood type can help you understand your general health and is critical information for specific situations, such as surgery or pregnancy. The most common blood type is O-positive, while O-negative is the universal donor and AB-positive is the universal recipient. The best ways to find out your blood type are to ask your healthcare provider or donate blood.

via msnNOW|

#blood-donation #blood-type #emergency