Latest news with #Laboratory
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Conduct mock drills to test readiness of oxygen plants: State issues fresh guidelines to all health officials
1 2 Pune: The state health commissioner on Monday issued fresh guidelines to health officials in all civic bodies, district health offices and Zilla Parishad offices, directing them to conduct mock drills of all the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants that were operational during the Covid-19 pandemic. State govt has also asked these bodies to reserve beds in case of any surge in respiratory infections while ensuring that all Covid-positive samples are sent for genome sequencing. The circular issued by the commissioner states that there has been a slow but steady rise in acute respiratory infections (ARIs) across the country. Most of the cases are mild and the current SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in circulation is the JN 1, XFG and LF 7.9. Common symptoms include fever, cough and itching in the throat. As of Monday, Maharashtra has 506 active patients; most of them are in Mumbai. There have been 10 fatalities in the state during the current surge since mid-May. Although these cases are mild, as a measure of precaution, health officials have to take a stock update on the availability of the number of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) sets, medical oxygen as well as isolation, ICU and ventilator beds. "A mock drill must be conducted of the PSA oxygen plants to check for oxygen preparedness," said the directive. Further, it has been instructed that about 5% of all influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) patients' samples must be sent for testing and all positive samples must be sent to the regional Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) for genome sequencing. The district surveillance units have been told to keep a close watch on the SARI and ILI trends in their areas. In view of the above guidelines, Dr Nagnath Yempalle, civil surgeon, Pune district, said, "We have conducted a mock drill of all our oxygen plants. While most are in working condition, some will need repairs, especially those in the periphery, where oxygen plants are not in regular use. We will get those repaired as well. We already have a 100-bed Covid hospital that was set up during the pandemic, which we can use to admit patients in need. We have already cleaned the hospital." Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) health chief Dr Nina Borade commented, "We have conducted the mock drills of some of our oxygen plants, and most are in working condition. We will inspect the remaining ones on Tuesday, and a final report will be prepared. If any of the plants need repairs, then we will conduct the same. Many of these plants have not been in use for a long time and might need some maintenance. We have also reserved 50 beds at Naidu hospital for Covid-19 patients. " Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) medical officer Dr Laxman Gophane was unavailable for a comment despite repeated attempts by TOI to contact him.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
One more tests positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh; tally rises to three
'A 51-year-old man has tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, taking the total number of infections in the current wave to three in the State,' a senior health official said on Saturday (May 31, 2025.) 'The man had undergone a rapid antigen test at Ramakrishna Mission Hospital (RKMH) in Itanagar on May 28 and was found positive for the coronavirus infection,' he said. 'Arunachal Pradesh had earlier reported two cases of the new COVID-19 variant on May 27,' State Surveillance Officer Dr. Lobsang Jampa said. 'These cases were detected through RT-PCR tests at the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) of Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS),' he said. A 34-year-old woman, who is in her 21st week of pregnancy, tested positive after she had developed COVID-like symptoms of fever and mild cough. The woman had arrived in Itanagar from Bengaluru on May 13. The woman's 53-year-old mother also tested positive for the infection but remained asymptomatic. Anti-dam protests spread in Arunachal Pradesh; villagers point to potential submergence of sacred Mishmi tribal cultural 'The pregnant woman is currently admitted to a hospital, while her mother has been placed under isolation,' the official said. Mr. Jampa urged the public not to panic, assuring that the new strain appears to be less severe than earlier variants. 'The Health Department is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. We are also tracing all possible contacts the two women may have had,' he added. He noted that a comprehensive public health advisory will be issued soon after consultation with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi. 'So far, the State Health Department has tested four samples, of which three have been found positive,' the official added.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
AUT And Abbott Team Up To Tackle Concussions & Women's Health
New Zealand's leading sports research institute, based at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), has embarked on a multi-year collaboration with global healthcare technology company Abbott. This joint effort has potential to transform how sports injuries are treated in the future, especially for female athletes. Under the collaboration, Abbott has installed the ARCHITECT® ci 4100 analyser, one of its Core Laboratory platforms, in AUT's SPRINZ biochemistry lab at AUT Millennium, a hub for many of New Zealand's high-performance sports organisations and Olympic athletes. A Legacy of Innovation AUT Professor of Human Performance Patria Hume, who played a key role in establishing the collaboration, describes the initiative as the start of a legacy, not just a research programme. 'The Abbott Core Laboratory platform will enable us to build a comprehensive database of women's health metrics, fostering long-term studies that will benefit future generations,' says Professor Hume. 'This is a collaborative effort, bringing together experts from various fields to tackle some of the most pressing health issues faced by women today. The technology will push the boundaries of what's possible in sports science and medical research.' The installation of Abbott's diagnostics platform marks a revolutionary step in advancing brain and women's health research. The system allows for precise blood tests that were previously out of reach, enabling researchers to identify critical biomarkers for neurological and hormonal health. 'With this technology, we can uncover insights that will lead to early detection, better treatment options, and personalised care plans tailored to the unique needs of each woman,' says Professor Hume. Addressing Concussion Challenges in Female Athletes Research increasingly shows that female athletes face a higher risk of concussion and respond to brain trauma differently than males. Yet current diagnostic and treatment practices often fail to account for these differences. 'It's time we adopt approaches that address the unique challenges concussions pose to women,' says Beth McQuiston, M.D., Medical Director in Abbott's diagnostics business. 'Having worked in this field for years, I'm truly excited to see how new technologies, like Abbott's Core Laboratory instruments, are helping us make groundbreaking strides in this area. By screening for blood biomarkers released after a brain injury, we can quickly and accurately determine if a CT scan is necessary. This not only improves patient triage but also reduces unnecessary radiation exposure – it's a win for both patients and healthcare providers.' AUT Professor of Psychology and Brain Health Alice Theadom, who also directs the TBI Network (Traumatic Brain Injury Network), highlights the significance of the partnership for advancing brain health research. 'There is exciting emerging evidence on the use of blood and hormone levels to detect physiological changes caused by brain injury,' says Professor Theadom. 'The availability of this instrument will position New Zealand at the forefront of new discoveries, revolutionising how we detect and treat these injuries. This collaborative programme brings together clinicians, community groups, and academics to drive clinically important discoveries in women's brain health.' The AUT-Abbott partnership goes beyond concussion research. The team will also explore how vitamins (such as Vitamin D and B12) and neuroendocrine changes impact brain health – a first-of-its-kind initiative that has never been done before. This holistic approach will provide unprecedented insights into the factors influencing brain health and recovery.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
AUT And Abbott Team Up To Tackle Concussions & Women's Health
Press Release – AUT Under the collaboration, Abbott has installed the ARCHITECT ci4100 analyser, one of its Core Laboratory platforms, in AUTs SPRINZ biochemistry lab at AUT Millennium, a hub for many of New Zealands high-performance sports organisations and Olympic … New Zealand's leading sports research institute, based at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), has embarked on a multi-year collaboration with global healthcare technology company Abbott. This joint effort has potential to transform how sports injuries are treated in the future, especially for female athletes. Under the collaboration, Abbott has installed the ARCHITECT® ci 4100 analyser, one of its Core Laboratory platforms, in AUT's SPRINZ biochemistry lab at AUT Millennium, a hub for many of New Zealand's high-performance sports organisations and Olympic athletes. A Legacy of Innovation AUT Professor of Human Performance Patria Hume, who played a key role in establishing the collaboration, describes the initiative as the start of a legacy, not just a research programme. 'The Abbott Core Laboratory platform will enable us to build a comprehensive database of women's health metrics, fostering long-term studies that will benefit future generations,' says Professor Hume. 'This is a collaborative effort, bringing together experts from various fields to tackle some of the most pressing health issues faced by women today. The technology will push the boundaries of what's possible in sports science and medical research.' The installation of Abbott's diagnostics platform marks a revolutionary step in advancing brain and women's health research. The system allows for precise blood tests that were previously out of reach, enabling researchers to identify critical biomarkers for neurological and hormonal health. 'With this technology, we can uncover insights that will lead to early detection, better treatment options, and personalised care plans tailored to the unique needs of each woman,' says Professor Hume. Addressing Concussion Challenges in Female Athletes Research increasingly shows that female athletes face a higher risk of concussion and respond to brain trauma differently than males. Yet current diagnostic and treatment practices often fail to account for these differences. 'It's time we adopt approaches that address the unique challenges concussions pose to women,' says Beth McQuiston, M.D., Medical Director in Abbott's diagnostics business. 'Having worked in this field for years, I'm truly excited to see how new technologies, like Abbott's Core Laboratory instruments, are helping us make groundbreaking strides in this area. By screening for blood biomarkers released after a brain injury, we can quickly and accurately determine if a CT scan is necessary. This not only improves patient triage but also reduces unnecessary radiation exposure – it's a win for both patients and healthcare providers.' AUT Professor of Psychology and Brain Health Alice Theadom, who also directs the TBI Network (Traumatic Brain Injury Network), highlights the significance of the partnership for advancing brain health research. 'There is exciting emerging evidence on the use of blood and hormone levels to detect physiological changes caused by brain injury,' says Professor Theadom. 'The availability of this instrument will position New Zealand at the forefront of new discoveries, revolutionising how we detect and treat these injuries. This collaborative programme brings together clinicians, community groups, and academics to drive clinically important discoveries in women's brain health.' The AUT-Abbott partnership goes beyond concussion research. The team will also explore how vitamins (such as Vitamin D and B12) and neuroendocrine changes impact brain health – a first-of-its-kind initiative that has never been done before. This holistic approach will provide unprecedented insights into the factors influencing brain health and recovery. Recruitment for study participants has begun. For information about the studies and to learn how to get involved, visit Women's health and neuroscience research programme – SPRINZ – AUT or contact brain@
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
AUT And Abbott Team Up To Tackle Concussions & Women's Health
Press Release – AUT Under the collaboration, Abbott has installed the ARCHITECT ci4100 analyser, one of its Core Laboratory platforms, in AUTs SPRINZ biochemistry lab at AUT Millennium, a hub for many of New Zealands high-performance sports organisations and Olympic … New Zealand's leading sports research institute, based at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), has embarked on a multi-year collaboration with global healthcare technology company Abbott. This joint effort has potential to transform how sports injuries are treated in the future, especially for female athletes. Under the collaboration, Abbott has installed the ARCHITECT® ci 4100 analyser, one of its Core Laboratory platforms, in AUT's SPRINZ biochemistry lab at AUT Millennium, a hub for many of New Zealand's high-performance sports organisations and Olympic athletes. A Legacy of Innovation AUT Professor of Human Performance Patria Hume, who played a key role in establishing the collaboration, describes the initiative as the start of a legacy, not just a research programme. 'The Abbott Core Laboratory platform will enable us to build a comprehensive database of women's health metrics, fostering long-term studies that will benefit future generations,' says Professor Hume. 'This is a collaborative effort, bringing together experts from various fields to tackle some of the most pressing health issues faced by women today. The technology will push the boundaries of what's possible in sports science and medical research.' The installation of Abbott's diagnostics platform marks a revolutionary step in advancing brain and women's health research. The system allows for precise blood tests that were previously out of reach, enabling researchers to identify critical biomarkers for neurological and hormonal health. 'With this technology, we can uncover insights that will lead to early detection, better treatment options, and personalised care plans tailored to the unique needs of each woman,' says Professor Hume. Addressing Concussion Challenges in Female Athletes Research increasingly shows that female athletes face a higher risk of concussion and respond to brain trauma differently than males. Yet current diagnostic and treatment practices often fail to account for these differences. 'It's time we adopt approaches that address the unique challenges concussions pose to women,' says Beth McQuiston, M.D., Medical Director in Abbott's diagnostics business. 'Having worked in this field for years, I'm truly excited to see how new technologies, like Abbott's Core Laboratory instruments, are helping us make groundbreaking strides in this area. By screening for blood biomarkers released after a brain injury, we can quickly and accurately determine if a CT scan is necessary. This not only improves patient triage but also reduces unnecessary radiation exposure – it's a win for both patients and healthcare providers.' AUT Professor of Psychology and Brain Health Alice Theadom, who also directs the TBI Network (Traumatic Brain Injury Network), highlights the significance of the partnership for advancing brain health research. 'There is exciting emerging evidence on the use of blood and hormone levels to detect physiological changes caused by brain injury,' says Professor Theadom. 'The availability of this instrument will position New Zealand at the forefront of new discoveries, revolutionising how we detect and treat these injuries. This collaborative programme brings together clinicians, community groups, and academics to drive clinically important discoveries in women's brain health.' The AUT-Abbott partnership goes beyond concussion research. The team will also explore how vitamins (such as Vitamin D and B12) and neuroendocrine changes impact brain health – a first-of-its-kind initiative that has never been done before. This holistic approach will provide unprecedented insights into the factors influencing brain health and recovery.
