In The News

A new approach to testing for infections may allow healthcare practitioners to quickly determine whether a patient has a bacterial or viral infection, and to determine the right treatment in a timely way. Photo source: CDC , Lauren Bishop

All patients diagnosed with hepatitis C and starting treatment with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) drugs should be tested for hepatitis B co-infection. When hepatitis C is treated with DAAs, the hepatitis B virus can reactivate and cause severe liver damage. Photo source: CDC , Dr. Erskine Palmer

Non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) is the most sensitive screening option for Down syndrome and should be discussed with all expectant mothers, regardless of age and whether or not they are at increased risk for carrying a baby with a chromosome disorder, according to the ACMG. Photo source: National Human Genome Research Institute

Breast cancer patients who are identified as low-risk by a 70-gene test may be able to avoid chemotherapy, even if they are considered to be high-risk by traditional criteria, according to new results from an ongoing study (MINDACT). Photo source: NCI, Rhoda Baer

A recent report from the CDC urges people to learn the signs and symptoms of sepsis, the body's overwhelming and life-threatening response to an infection, and to seek emergency medical care immediately if sepsis is suspected. Photo source: NIAID

While the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says there is not enough evidence to recommend for or against routine screening for high cholesterol in all youths, the American Academy of Pediatrics endorses recommendations for universal screening. Photo source: NCI, Rhoda Baer

The FDA has directed U.S. blood collection facilities to begin screening all donated blood for the Zika virus to reduce the risk of spreading the virus through blood transfusions. Photo source: Vegasjon via Wikimedia Commons

According to Johns Hopkins researchers, universal screening for hepatitis C would identify up to 25% of adults with undiagnosed infection who would not be detected by current screening guidelines. Photo source: National Cancer Institute

Cases of Legionnaires disease, a serious, often fatal form of pneumonia, nearly quadrupled from 2000 to 2014, according to a recent report from the CDC. The most common source of recent outbreaks was potable (drinkable) water used for common purposes, such as showering, followed by cooling towers, hot tubs, and decorative fountains. Photo source: CDC , Betty Partin

The FDA has approved the first blood-based genetic test to guide the treatment of a common type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The test is less invasive, requiring only a blood draw instead of a traditional tissue biopsy, and detects mutations that could indicate that the tumor is more likely to respond to the drug erlotinib. Photo source: NHGRI, Ernesto del Aguila III