Latest news with #medicaltests
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Video: Joao Mario meets Juventus fans before medical tests
Portuguese defender João Mario has arrived at the J Medical to undergo medical tests with Serie A giants Juventus and signed autographs for the Bianconeri fans. Porto defender João Mario has just arrived at Juventus-owned clinic J Medical to undergo medical tests with the Serie A giants. Figures behind João Mario's Juventus move HAMBURG, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 19: Joao Mario of Porto is pictured during the UEFA Champions League match between Shakhtar Donetsk and FC Porto at Volksparkstadion on September 19, 2023 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by) The 25-year-old landed in Turin on Wednesday evening to complete a player-plus cash swap deal involving Alberto Costa. João Mario is second Juventus signing in 2025-26 EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 15: Joao Mario #23 of FC Porto controls the ball against Anibal Moreno #5 of SE Palmeiras during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between SE Palmeiras and FC Porto at MetLife Stadium on June 15, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by) As reported by our transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, João Mario has been valued €10m, while Porto will pay €15m plus €1m add-ons for Alberto Costa. João Mario is the second Juventus signing after Jonathan David. Joao Mario al J|medical 📍
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
At-home health tests have surged in popularity. But many are unclear and unreliable, UK report finds
A slew of at-home medical tests have flooded supermarkets, pharmacies, and wellness shops in recent years, claiming they can identify everything from gluten sensitivity to male fertility without the need for a doctor's visit. But most self-tests sold do not provide clear information about who should use them, how to interpret the results, or what to do next, according to a new pair . Many also contradict formal health guidance, which could be confusing and prompt people to make 'inappropriate' decisions about their health care, the researchers warned. 'We expect [a self-test] to be accurate and we expect it to be evidence-based if it's going to be sold to the general public,' Dr Alex Richter, one of the studies' authors and a professor of clinical immunology at the University of Birmingham, said during a press briefing. 'Unfortunately, we found that many tests gave unclear or at least missing guidance'. Related Promising results show new spit test could be better at detecting prostate cancer than blood test Independent experts said the results were alarming, particularly given the booming market for at-home tests, predicted to be valued at hundreds of millions of euros by 2030. But with the abundance of choice, it can be difficult for consumers to pick out high-quality tests from the pack. For the new reports, Richter's team examined 30 self-tests for 19 health issues, including vitamin D deficiency, menopause, blood sugar levels, HIV, bowel cancer, and prostate health. Only 14 tests made statements about their accuracy, eight offered information on the box about who should or should not use the test, and seven told consumers what they should do after taking the test. Sixteen tests explicitly said they were for screening, diagnosis, or monitoring, while another nine did not provide information about the symptoms or risk factors for their use. Nearly all of the tests recommended following up with a doctor if the results were positive or abnormal, the studies found. Two dozen tests claimed they were highly accurate, but the evidence to back up those assertions was either of poor quality or not publicly available, prompting the researchers to raise ethical concerns. Two companies – Newfoundland and Suresign – had the most problematic tests, the research found. They make rapid tests for menopause, vitamin D deficiency, the diagnosis of chronic kidney injury, and to detect thyroid problems. Independent experts said the results should serve as a reminder that at-home tests can be useful, but they should not replace traditional, evidence-based medical care. Related Exclusive: At-home spit test that measures hormone levels is now certified as a contraceptive 'Sometimes people use self-tests because they 'feel it is better to know' and they are trying to inform their health and healthcare decisions,' Dr Amitava Banerjee, a cardiologist and professor of clinical data science at University College London, said in a statement. 'This research shows that these self-tests are often not providing relevant knowledge or information and they are not informing decisions in the right way,' added Banerjee, who was not involved with the studies. The study authors called for more regulation of self-tests, saying they should be thoroughly evaluated before reaching the supermarket or pharmacy shelves to protect consumers and the healthcare system from 'misuse and misinformation'. Richter said the findings should not cause people to cast doubt on all self-tests. At-home pregnancy tests, for example, have been available for many years and are highly reliable when used correctly. And during the COVID-19 pandemic, self-tests were a cheaper, faster way for people to identify infections, easing some of the burden on the health system. 'We think there is a real place for this. … We just need to work out how they can be properly used and assessed,' Richter said. 'We don't want bad tests on the market, we want good tests on the market'.
The Sun
7 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Shop-bought health tests not fit for purpose, warn experts – as they present ‘significant risk' for wrong diagnosis
SHOP-BOUGHT medical tests are unreliable and need tougher regulation, say scientists. The kits are readily available from supermarkets for checking health factors like high cholesterol, vitamin deficiencies, fertility and prostate problems. 1 But experts warn 'evidence for their benefit is lacking'. A study by the University of Birmingham found many cannot back up claims about their accuracy. Testing found many have confusing or unreadable instructions, and customers often do not know what to do with their results. Scientists said they should go through more stringent quality checks and be regulated like medical products. Professor Jon Deeks said: 'Current regulations are not adequately protecting consumers. 'For matters of our health, it is important that the evidence upon which health decisions are made is available and can be scrutinised.' Kits cost as little as £1.89 There is a booming market for the tests, which mostly work like Covid lateral flow tests, and the UK industry is set to be worth half a billion pounds by 2030. Researchers bought 30 of the kits from shops around Birmingham, costing between £1.89 and £39.99, and evaluated them. They found at least 18 had 'high risk' problems that might lead to a wrong result or decision. Eleven had equipment quality issues, 10 did not have a proper sampling process and 15 had issues with the instructions or advice on what to do with the results. Those with problems included tests for menopause hormones, kidney function, vitamin D and thyroid function. In one example, Prof Deeks said the self-tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, a marker of prostate health, were fixed at a certain concentration level. However, 'if you're age 70 you need to have your PSA done at a very different level to when you're 20', he said. False results could put strain on the NHS Dr Clare Davenport said: 'A good test should be clear about who and when to use it. 'It should be easy to use and easy to interpret. 'We expect it to be accurate and we expect it to be evidence-based if it's going to be sold to the general public, with clear advice of what to do with next steps. 'Unfortunately, what we found is that actually many tests gave unclear or missing guidance. 'On one side, if you get a false positive result that might lead to unnecessary extra testing, unnecessary treatments or just anxiety to patients. 'And on the other side, you may have a false negative and you get this false reassurance, which can lead to missed or delayed diagnosis and delayed treatment with obviously worse outcomes for patients. 'All of this can have an impact on health care demand. 'The wrong test or result can then lead to unnecessary or additional appointments, investigations and treatments and a higher burden on the NHS.' Dr Bernie Croal, president of the Royal College of Pathologists, said: 'There are significant risks to patients when poor quality tests are carried out inappropriately.' However, the team said that in the future, home tests could have great potential for patient care. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which regulates medical products, said it would look at the findings. It issued its own warning about the kits in June and said they must not be taken as real medical advice. The MHRA said: 'Self-tests can provide helpful insights, but they're not a substitute for medical advice or a diagnosis. 'If you're unsure about a result, or have symptoms you're worried about, speak to a GP, pharmacist or other healthcare professional before making any decisions.' The research was published in the British Medical Journal. Body checks you can do now Check your semen: It should be a white-grey colour. Red in semen or yellow-green should be assessed Check your testicles: Roll each of them between your finger and thumb to gently feel their surfaces to look for swellling, hardness or lumps. Check your breasts: Both men and women should be aware of the signs of breast cancer, which are lumps, inverted nipples, fluid oozing from the nipple, a sore or rash around the nipple, hard, red skin, swellings or lumps in the armpit. Check your peeing habits: Going more often, straining to go, having a weak flow or feeling like you've not emptied? These could be signs of a prostate problem. Check your blood pressure: You can check your blood pressure at home using an automated digital device, at the GP or pharmacy. Check your heart: Your heart rate should be somewhere between 60 and 100 bpm. You can count using a clock and pressing lightly on the inside of your wrist. Check down the loo: Look for signs of blood in stool or if you've had a persistent change in frequency or type of stool (e.g. diarrhoea or more difficulty). Pain when going should also be checked out. Check your cholesterol: The best way to check your cholesterol levels is by visiting your pharmacist or GP but you can also check it at home with tests including Bupa's at Home. Check your nails: Ridges, dents, brittleness and clubbing of the nails can all indicate an underlying health issue. Check your hair: Hair loss is seen in both men and women from middle age, but iron deficiency can also cause it. Check your BMI: Your body mass index (BMI) is a simple way to check whether you're a healthy weight. Use an online calculator such as that on the NHS. Check for lumps and bumps: Changes to the skin, including around the genitals, moles and marks must be checked.
Sky News
7 days ago
- Health
- Sky News
Off-the-shelf medical tests are failing to back up accuracy promises with evidence, study finds
Off-the-shelf medical tests that promise to diagnose conditions ranging from vitamin deficiencies to cancer are lacking evidence to back up their accuracy, a study has found. Thirty self-testing kits were purchased from a range of mainstream supermarkets, pharmacies and health and wellbeing shops by researchers from the University of Birmingham in 2023. The kits tested for vitamin deficiency, blood cholesterol, menopause and bowel cancer. These tests are often marketed as tools for empowerment and early detection at a time when the NHS is already over-stretched. Accuracy claims were made for 24 of these tests however, and nearly six out of 10 (14) promised 98% accuracy. However, evidence supporting these claims was largely unavailable, according to a series of papers published by the British Medical Journal (BMJ). In addition, 18 of the tests (60%) were found to have errors that could lead to a wrong result. This included 11 that had problems with equipment, 10 showing issues with the sampling process and 15 that had problems with the instructions of interpretation of results. Where information about what types of accuracy methods were available, about a third of those compared their test with another similar test - not a proper, trusted medical test. Most of the tests also did not explain who they tested them on to provide the accuracy data. These types of testing kits are not subject to the same stringent checks that a new medication would have to go through. The University of Birmingham's Professor Jon Deeks, a corresponding author of the study, said: "Our findings highlight concerns about the value of these self-tests because the instructions for use for many of them recommended seeing a doctor regardless of the test result (positive or negative)." Can these tests cause harm? Dr Clare Davenport, co-author of the study, said the benefit of many of these tests "is lacking". "This is in contrast to well-established self-tests, such as pregnancy tests," she said. "We are worried that consumers concerned about their health and tempted by the convenience of buying a test over the counter may be harmed if they use these tests in the wrong way." A false positive on such a test may lead to anxiety, unnecessary investigations and even overtreatment, while a false negative could lead to delays in treatment. Researchers are now calling for better regulation and guidance from manufacturers, retailers and healthcare professionals to protect consumers of off-the-shelf health self-tests. There were some limitations to the test - namely that they were bought two years ago and were not intended to be a sample of what is available across the country. "But given what they do say about where they got the tests, I'd be surprised if they aren't pretty much the same anywhere nowadays," said Professor Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at The Open University. He said the results were "scary and concerning". "I don't doubt the findings of the researchers, that many of the available tests don't make it clear who could make good use of them, how accurate the results might be, or what someone should do in the light of their results." 'History offers cautionary tales' "Self-tests should not be dismissed outright though," wrote Jessica Watson from the Centre for Academic Primary Care, and Margaret McCartney, from the University of St Andrews, in an editorial for the BMJ. "History offers cautionary tales: when home pregnancy tests were first introduced, some doctors argued that women could not be trusted to use them. "Clearly that is not the case. "The use of HIV self-tests has been extensively and carefully evaluated, with decades of research, including large randomised controlled trials." However, they say that these examples are of tests that are "binary" with yes or no answers, and are integrated within healthcare systems, "with clear actions to be taken based on the results".
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Video: Brighton defender Estupinan arrives for Milan transfer
Pervis Estupiñán has landed in Milan to undergo his medical tests with the Rossoneri. Brighton defender Estupiñán is ready to complete a permanent transfer to Milan. LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 05: Pervis Estupinan of Brighton & Hove Albion looks on during the Premier League match between Fulham FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Craven Cottage on December 05, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by) Expert Antonio Vitiello has shared a video of the Ecuador international arriving at Milan's Linate Airport on Wednesday afternoon. The 27-year-old will undergo medical tests with Milan before completing a €19m transfer, including add-ons. He will then fly to Asia to join the rest of the team, which is currently on a pre-season tour. 🇪🇨 Ecco #Estupiñan, il nuovo terzino sinistro del Milan🔴⚫️. Pronto per le visite e la firma sul contratto
