Biobanks collect, process and store human bodily substances, such as blood or tissue, under well-defined and controlled conditions. By using these biosamples and related patient data for their research, scientists can gain deeper insights into a particular disease and develop […]
Cancer originates from small mistakes in our DNA. These mistakes are different for every person and dictate how aggressive their cancer is. On top of this, starting in development and continuing throughout life, new mistakes in our DNA can be […]
“Vitamin D” is in fact not a true vitamin, but a group of steroid-derived hormones that perform a range of functions within the body. They are known to regulate the absorption of minerals such as calcium, which is necessary for […]
These days, instead of going to the hospital, many patients take their own blood samples at home and send them to the laboratory via mail. Despite the obvious benefits, sampling is often done incorrectly, leading to up to 20% of […]
The processes that occur following the discovery of new blood tests and before their approval for medical use are currently not well understood. A group of Canadian researchers have now investigated the various in-between steps. They found that it takes […]
Although professional athletes seem to embody health and fitness, they also face a variety of health risks. Fortunately, nowadays, many of these risks can be monitored in the laboratory. Italian researchers provide an overview of the most important parameters in […]
Value-based healthcare (VBHC) measures health outcomes against the cost of their delivery. A group of Italian researchers believe that laboratory medicine is ready to add value to the healthcare cycle by introducing new skills, and that a close collaboration between […]
Failure to follow-up medical test results poses a great risk to patient safety and quality of care. A new stakeholder forum bringing together health consumers, clinicians and policy organisations aims to improve the situation. By Mary Dahm Pathology and medical […]
Thyroid disorders are among the most common diseases of the endocrine system. A new study now reveals that both an overactive as well as an underactive thyroid can have a negative impact on bone mass. By Vasilios Pergialiotis Thyroid dysfunction […]
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and dietary supplements are widely used by patients. On average, an American household spends up to USD 350 annually on various OTC drugs and dietary supplements. However, the general public is often not aware or informed about […]
