Accurate lab tests are crucial for medical treatment, and Congress is considering a measure to provide more oversight.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., have co-sponsored the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Landmark Advancements Act to better regulate diagnostic clinical tests.

Kristin Anderson, an immunotherapy researcher at the University of Washington and a cancer survivor, said an accurate test was crucial after her breast-cancer diagnosis. A lab test determined she had a specific gene mutation, known as BRCA, which helped tailor her chemotherapy treatment.

"Just knowing those pieces of information was really, really helpful when it came to what medicine I was going to receive," Anderson recounted. "It also really helped inform what kind of surgeries I went through."

Anderson pointed out people with the BRCA mutation have a high risk of recurrence, and so she received a double mastectomy to reduce her chances in the future. Under the measure in Congress, companies would have to register their tests with the FDA and provide performance information. Senate lawmakers approved the bill in June, and Congress is negotiating a final version.

Mark Fleury, policy principal of emerging science for the American Center Action Network, said through COVID-19 tests, most people now have the experience of relying on a lab test for health information. He emphasized laboratory-developed tests are mostly accurate and of high quality.

But he pointed to cases such as the company Theranos and its founder, Elizabeth Holmes, who claimed to develop rapid diagnostic blood testing which was later revealed as a scam. He emphasized without third-party review of such tests, there is a lack of certainty for patients, and he believes the legislation is needed.

"Bring up the oversight system to the modern era," Fleury urged. "Treat it as a diagnostic test rather than as an artificial hip, and ensure that if two tests perform the exact same function, that they've been looked at in the exact same way."

Anderson added her gene-mutation test continues to influence her care because people with the BRCA mutation also are at risk for other types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer.

"There are risk-reducing, preventive surgeries that insurance covers for people who are at high risk like me," Anderson explained. "I was able to get those surgeries because I knew and had the information to ask, and my medical providers had the information to recommend."

A Pew poll released last year finds one in 10 Americans report an inaccurate clinical lab test result.

Support for this reporting was provided by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Holiday stress is a concern for most people, but when you mix in travel plans and chronic health issues, those worries might be elevated.

A Minnesota expert said now is the time to ensure a safe and healthy trip this season.

Dr. Mary Boylan, cardiothoracic surgeon at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth, said whether you're flying to a warmer destination or driving a few hours to a relative's house, preparation is vital for those with a chronic health condition like heart disease or being at risk of stroke.

To start, she recommended checking in with your doctor to find out if you are healthy enough to travel. If so, getting the logistics down should be the next priority.

"It's really easy to think, 'Oh, I'm just gonna fly here, fly there,' and forget about the details," Boylan pointed out. "If we can take those actual itinerary items off the table and have arranged to have a cart, if we need a cart, to get us to our gate that's a really good step."

Safely transporting medical devices, such as portable oxygen machines, is another priority. Boylan recommended checking with transportation agencies and companies about their policies for storing and screening them. Having enough medication is important, too. And if you are traveling to another time zone, experts suggest talking with your doctor about adjusting your medication schedule.

Boylan also is president of the American Heart Association's Midwest region Board of Directors. She noted when you get to your destination, having fun is the goal but don't feel like you have to go beyond your comfort zone.

"And we should really build in downtime," Boylan advised. "It is a very, very good thing to -- in the middle of the day or before the end of the evening -- just settle down, have a little time for peace."

She added it can help to keep blood pressure in check amid all the travel and activities you are trying to squeeze in. Other tips include locating nearby health facilities during your trip, and for long flights, wearing compression socks to prevent blood clots.

This week is Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week, shedding light on what some call an invisible disease.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are also known as inflammatory bowel disease, and they affect a person's food choices and many other aspects of life.

Ryan Boyce - executive director of the Northwest chapter of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation - said symptoms include abdominal pain, rectal bleeding and diarrhea.

But Boyce said many suffer in silence because those symptoms aren't usually visible.

"It's a difficult disease to diagnose and it's very common for folks to really struggle with these symptoms for a while," said Boyce, "before they get properly diagnosed and can begin a treatment path to help improve their health."

A recent study found about one in 100 Americans has been diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD.

Boyce said there's no cure for the disease, although there are a few approaches that can alleviate symptoms, such as medication and changes to a person's diet.

"The unique thing with IBD is that it impacts everyone a little bit differently," said Boyce. "So, there's not one set strategy and plan, or a blueprint if you will, that if everyone follows then it kind of limits symptoms. There's just so much variance with the disease."

Boyce said there have been major strides in the search for solutions for this affliction.

"What we're really trying to do is find cures," said Boyce, "and cures, plural, because it will take more than one cure depending on the disease and the treatment - and pushing toward that."




get more stories like this via email

November has been Diabetes Awareness Month - but heading into the holidays, people who are diabetic know they can't lose their focus on keeping it in check. And technology is making it easier to monitor the disease from home.

More than 520,000 Washingtonians have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Dr. Mamatha Palanati is the medical diabetes program director for Kaiser Permanente Washington. She said the disease needs to be managed closely, because it can lead to serious health complications.

Palanati noted that fortunately, people don't need to leave their homes to do this in some cases.

"In today's world, there's a much easier way to do it, like telehealth," said Palanati. "Telehealth provides multiple ways for the follow-up and connection to the health care for any individual."

Palanti said people managing diabetes still should plan to see their physician in person at least once a year. Management of other factors, like blood pressure and cholesterol, can also help reduce complications.

Palanati said monitoring technology can also assist people.

"The family members and caregivers, or anyone who can take care of that particular individual," said Palanati, "can do it remotely and manage their diabetes in a much better way."

Palanati stressed that diabetes is a chronic disease.

"Don't look at this as an additional chore or anything," said Palanati. "Make it as a part of your life. So, be active, making sure you adapt to the healthy lifestyles. It may not be perfect, but try your best to get what you can do."




get more stories like this via email