Diagnostic Testing Archives - Infectious Disease Advisor

FDA Clears Rapid, Point-of-Care Test to Detect Chlamydia, Gonorrhea

By

August 15, 2019

The FDA has granted 510(k) clearance to binx io for a molecular point-of-care diagnostic testing platform for detecting chlamydia and gonorrhea in approximately 30 minutes.

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.

Hepatitis

Oral Fluid Samples Used to Detect Hepatitis B Antibody

By

Zahra Masoud

August 8, 2019

Optimized, commercial enzyme immunoassays may be able to diagnose hepatitis B virus using oral fluid samples.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Direct-to-Consumer Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing

By

Tori Rodriquez, MA, LPC, AHC

August 2, 2019

Despite these soaring rates, sexual behavior and STD risk are not common topics of discussion between patients and clinicians.

Diagnostics

Blood Culture Bottles for Culturing Periprosthetic Tissue Specimens

By

Bradley van Paridon

August 2, 2019

Investigators recommend blood culture bottle system for culturing periprosthetic tissue specimens due to its ability to efficiently and rapidly detect a wider range of bacteria compared with conventional microbiology methods.

All the prior steps in the HIV care continuum are meant to culminate in viral suppression, which the CDC defines as a viral load <200 copies/mL.1 Viral suppression reduces the risk of HIV transmission by 96%. Considering less than 37% of PLWH in the United States (diagnosed and undiagnosed) receive ART, it is not surprising that 70% of PLWH have not achieved viral suppression.2 The NHAS calls for an 80% rate of viral suppression in all people in the United States with HIV by 2020. Although the NHAS goal appears ambitious, one study found that 90% of US patients who received an HIV diagnosis and were retained at each successive step of the continuum achieved viral suppression.1 Healthcare providers play a critical role in ensuring that a seropositive patient makes it through each step. Although viral suppression is the last step in the continuum, providers should not ignore quality-of-life issues that persist after viral suppression, which may cause some PLWH to regress on the continuum.1

HIV/AIDS

HIV Testing Rates Suboptimal in Rural vs Urban Regions in the United States

By

Infectious Disease Advisor Contributing Writer

July 31, 2019

HIV testing rates are suboptimal in the United States, and there is significant regional variation in testing rates, with rural areas displaying lower rates of testing and diagnosis than urban areas.

GI Illness

First Cases of Leptospirosis in Humans in US Virgin Islands After Major Hurricanes

By

Infectious Disease Advisor Contributing Writer

July 31, 2019

After the first human case of leptospirosis was reported in the United States Virgin Islands following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the US Virgin Islands arbovirus surveillance system was adapted to include leptospirosis surveillance.

HIV/AIDS

Multiple Benefits of Early Infant HIV Diagnosis Using Point-of-Care Testing

By

Sweta Gupta

July 30, 2019

Compared with conventional testing programs, point-of-care testing for early HIV diagnosis substantially reduced the turnaround time for HIV test results and enabled earlier ART initiation in infants.

Diagnostics

Use of TsolR13, a Novel qPCR Biomarker, to Diagnose Neurocysticercosis

By

Zahra Masoud

July 24, 2019

A novel real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction target has been identified and may be a useful tool for diagnosing neurocysticercosis.

Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Rates Still Low

Diagnostics

CDC Recommendations for Mitigating Shortages in Tuberculosis Testing Capabilities

By

Sweta Gupta

July 22, 2019

The CDC has issued 3 recommendations for mitigating a reduction in tuberculosis testing capability.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Patient Opinions on Electronic Messaging for STD Test Result Notifications

By

Infectious Disease Advisor Contributing Writer

July 11, 2019

The majority of patients who chose to receive notification of STD results via electronic messaging, including via text message, and/or email, to be satisfactory and easy.