What is a complement blood test? A complement blood test measures the amount or activity of complement proteins in the blood. Complement proteins are part of the complement system. This system is made up of a group of proteins that work with the immune system to identify and fight disease-causing substances like viruses and bacteria. … Read more
What is amniocentesis? Amniocentesis is a test for pregnant women that looks at a sample of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is a pale, yellow liquid that surrounds and protects an unborn baby throughout pregnancy. The fluid contains cells that provide important information about your unborn baby’s health. The information may include whether your baby has … Read more
Image copyright Getty Images The government has defended its test and trace programme in England amid plans to cut 6,000 contact tracers. Health minister Edward Argar insisted it was a “successful system” and would be strengthened by giving more powers to local public health teams. The plans mean people who have been in contact with … Read more
By Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter MONDAY, Aug. 10, 2020 (HealthDay News) — A simple blood test may predict which COVID-19 patients are likely to get worse and die, a new study suggests. “When we first started treating COVID-19 patients, we watched them get better or get worse, but we didn’t know why,” said … Read more
By Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter FRIDAY, Aug. 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — When it comes to face masks, not all are equally effective, a new study finds. Duke University researchers developed a way of testing various types of masks to see which did the best job of stopping droplets coming from people’s mouths, … Read more
By Steven Reinberg HealthDay Reporter FRIDAY, Aug. 7, 2020 (HealthDay News) — Researchers say a new test can tell which patients with gonorrhea will benefit from treatment with the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. The low-cost drug has been out of use amid concern that the bacterium that causes gonorrhea was becoming resistant to it. … Read more
Ravina Kullar, PharmD, infectious disease expert. JAMA Network Open: “Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 Screening Strategies to Permit the Safe Reopening of College Campuses in the United States.” CDC: “Interim Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education Administrators for SARS-CoV-2 Testing.” University of Georgia: “Plans for Surveillance Testing and Notification.” News conference, Sarah Fortune, chair, Harvard Department … Read more