say the test can identify more than
80 percent of adenomas, the pol-
yps that develop into colon cancer.
Colonoscopies, which many patients
avoid because of inconvenience, dis-
comfort, and expense, cost about
$1,500. The blood test is expected to
cost between $50 and $100.
Chlamydia Rapid Test This sim-
ple, non-invasive urine test may
prompt more men to be tested for
the sexually transmitted disease and
reduce the numbers of men passing
the disease to their partners where it
causes pelvic infl ammatory disease,
infertility, and ectopic pregnancy.
Current diagnosis is usually made by
a painful urethral swabbing.
Down Syndrome Test A new test
PUT TO THE TEST Testing methods from
for Down syndrome will be less risky
(clockwise) CAT scans to mammograms are
than amniocentesis, which may
giving way to cutting-edge technology like full
body scans. But new isn’t always better.
cause miscarriage. The blood test
scans for abnormalities in the num-
heel test, combined with ber of fetal chromosomes, and should provide a safer,
clinical risk factors, could earlier diagnosis. Experts estimate the test will be avail-
identify those at very low able in two to three years.
risk who would need no Breathalyzer to Detect Early Lung Cancer A portable
further evaluation. breath tester detects lung cancer with an accuracy of 86
Virtual Colonoscopy percent long before tumors are visible in X-rays.
Virtual colonoscopy uses a Saliva Tests to Replace Blood Tests Scientists are work-
combination of X-rays and ing to catalog a set of proteins in human ductal saliva that
computers to create 2- and will diagnose diseases at an early stage. Saliva tests will
E
S
G 3-D images of the colon also track the effectiveness of treatments with the advan-
A
I
M
and rectum. It’s best for tage of being less invasive and less costly than other tests.
E
T
T
Y
patients who have colons Color-Changing Strip Tests for Gum Disease Current
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G
C
K
that are diffi cult to navigate screening is often costly, time-consuming, and painful.
S
T
O
K
with a scope or those who Now, a simple oral strip changes color when it comes in
I
N
/
T
H
can’t be sedated for a standard colonoscopy. Some doctors contact with microbial sulfur compounds in the mouth
E
S
G
A
fear that virtual colonoscopies may give too many false that can indicate the presence of gum disease. In 80
I
M
R
positives, which result in patients undergoing a standard percent of adults, gum disease is present in some degree,
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T
E
P
/
J
U
colonoscopy and having to endure two procedures. and it is linked to heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and
N
Blood Tests That Diagnose Heart Attacks Faster Four other ailments. The strips can also monitor a patient’s
S
C
A
Y
D
O new supersensitive blood tests can detect when the heart progress during treatment.
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B
E
S
muscle is dying from a heart attack the moment a patient
G
A
steps into the emergency room. Older tests took hours Today, it’s more important than ever that patients
I
M
to determine blood levels of troponin, a telltale protein become proactive about their health. “Work with your
E
T
T
Y
I
/
G
X found only in the heart. Earlier diagnosis can speed life- doctor and use your individual medical history and
/
T
A
saving treatment to victims of heart attacks and rule out that of your family as a guide to establish which medi-
F
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E
L
D
patients whose symptoms are caused by something else. cal tests you should take,” Cosgrove says. “My fam-
S
H
A
E
L
ily has a history of bladder cancer, so I take a urine
U
M
Tests Available in the Near Future test that measures tumor markers for bladder cancer.
/
S
A
M
A
R
Blood Test for Colon Cancer A simple blood test that It’s only $40, and it gives me peace of mind. There
G
O
M
uses biomarkers to detect the cells of colon polyps in are many tests like this that are useful for people
M
A
M the blood will be available as early as 2010. Scientists with family histories of specifi c diseases.”
NOVEMBER 2009 / NEWSMAX MAXLIFE 103
102_HEALTH_Medtests.indd 103 9/30/09 7:01 PM
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