DR. STEPHANIE L. SANDBERG, D.O.

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This research studied how strong family ties in Mexico, called familism, can both support individuals and lead to domestic violence. The findings revealed that four key aspects of familism—keeping abuse hidden, preventing victims from speaking out, forcing victims to stay with their families, and pressuring them to remain in abusive situations—contribute to family violence. Understanding these relationships is essential because they show how cultural values can affect the safety and well-being of individuals in family settings. Who this helps: This helps victims of domestic violence and organizations working to support them.

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This study looked at how accurately blood tests are measured across several laboratories. Researchers found that most of the tests for blood cell counts met acceptable accuracy levels, but not all were perfect; specifically, results for cell counting were reliable while indices did not meet standards. Improving measurement accuracy is important because it helps ensure patients get correct test results, which can affect their treatment and care. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors who rely on accurate blood test results for making health decisions.

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This study looked at how to test a reference material used for calibrating medical diagnostic tools, even when that material wasn’t originally assessed for a new testing method. The researchers offered a clear way to check if this reference material is still accurate when used with the new method, emphasizing the importance of selecting appropriate comparison tools. This is important because it helps ensure that medical tests give reliable results, which can impact patient care. Who this helps: Patients and doctors who rely on accurate medical test results.

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This study developed clear recommendations for primary healthcare laboratories on how to check the accuracy of point-of-care tests by comparing their results with those from central labs. It found that acceptable variations between these results can be up to 15% or 20%, depending on the specific test, meaning that results outside these limits need further review. These guidelines help ensure that tests done at the point of care are reliable, which is important for proper patient treatment. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare providers and patients by ensuring accurate test results in primary care settings.

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This study looked at how pregnancy affects blood platelets in women, particularly focusing on those with and without a genetic mutation called heterozygous factor V Leiden (FVL), which can increase the risk of blood clots. Researchers found that during pregnancy, a marker for platelet activation called soluble P-selectin increased while the ability of platelets to stick together (aggregation) decreased in all women, regardless of FVL status. This is important because it highlights that the presence of FVL does not significantly alter platelet function during pregnancy, suggesting that other factors may be at play in increasing blood clot risks. Who this helps: This helps pregnant women and their healthcare providers understand blood clotting risks better.

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This paper looks at how to effectively use rapid tests for measuring cardiac troponin (cTn), a key marker for heart problems, in emergency care. The authors found that integrating point-of-care testing could speed up diagnostic results, which is vital for patient treatment, but highlighted the need for proper validation and training before these tests are widely used. They offer a guide for healthcare settings on how to implement and verify these tests efficiently. Who this helps: This benefits patients experiencing chest pain and doctors making quick decisions in emergency situations.

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This research paper focused on improving the accuracy of blood tests used in healthcare by ensuring that the test results are consistent and reliable across different labs. The findings highlighted that using specially certified blood samples (called secondary certified reference materials) is crucial for making sure that blood test results are comparable; however, creating these samples is complex because blood can vary widely. The recommendations from this study help laboratories and manufacturers better calibrate their tests, which will lead to more reliable results for patients. Who this helps: Patients receiving blood tests and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how to make lab test results from different medical laboratories more consistent and reliable. Researchers found that achieving this "harmonization" is often difficult due to issues like unclear definitions of tests, different lab practices, and the need for high-quality reference materials. When lab results aren't harmonized, it can lead to mistakes in patient care, treatment delays, and higher healthcare costs. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by ensuring more accurate diagnoses and treatments.

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This study looked at how an issue called anastomotic leakage, which can occur after surgery for rectal cancer, affects bowel function three years later. Among 1,033 patients who did not have a permanent stoma, 5% experienced anastomotic leakage, and 69.2% of these patients reported significant bowel issues compared to 52.9% of those without leakage. This is important because it shows that preventing this complication can help patients maintain better bowel function after surgery for rectal cancer. Who this helps: This helps patients who have undergone rectal cancer surgery.

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This study looked at the levels of thyroid hormones in a group of athletes over a whole sports season, taking monthly blood samples from 30 athletes (15 men and 15 women, aged 19 to 53) who trained heavily. Researchers found that hormone levels varied based on factors like age, sex, and how much the athletes had exercised recently, indicating significant differences between male and female athletes and between athletes and the general population. These findings are important because they suggest that athletes need specialized hormone reference values for accurate health monitoring. Who this helps: This helps athletes and their coaches understand hormone levels better for their health and training.

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This study focuses on diagnosing porphyrias, which are rare metabolic disorders with various symptoms. The researchers reviewed different tests for detecting porphyrias and provided guidelines for doctors on how to diagnose these conditions effectively. They found that it’s important to use specific biochemical tests to detect porphyrin levels in urine, feces, and blood before considering genetic testing, as timely diagnosis is crucial for patient care. Who this helps: Patients with porphyrias and their doctors.

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This study looked at how to improve the collection and sharing of Biological Variation (BV) data, which is important for clinical practice. Researchers created an online guide that helps standardize how BV studies are designed and reported, making it easier to trust and use this data. The guide includes a checklist for essential information and links to resources, promoting consistent and high-quality BV data. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by improving the reliability of clinical tests and decisions based on BV data.

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This study looked at how much insulin resistance markers can vary in healthy people, using data from 90 participants across five European countries. It found that the HOMA-IR test, which measures insulin resistance, has a variability of 26.7%, meaning readings can change a lot for the same individual over time. In contrast, the QUICKI test showed much less variation at 4.1%. This variability matters because it suggests that a single test result for insulin resistance might not be reliable for diagnosing conditions like diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Who this helps: Patients at risk for type 2 diabetes and doctors evaluating their insulin resistance.

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This study looks at direct-to-consumer testing (DTCT), where individuals order medical tests without professional guidance. It highlights how different types of these tests can lead to issues in accuracy and results interpretation, and suggests ways to improve these processes. The research emphasizes that the effectiveness and risks of DTCT depend on each person's situation and the tests used, ultimately impacting health outcomes and system efficiency. Who this helps: This helps patients who want to take charge of their health with more accessible testing options.

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This study reviewed various research papers to understand how much urine markers like albumin and the albumin-to-creatinine ratio vary in healthy people. They looked at data from 37 studies but found that only 16 were reliable enough to include, with most showing a variation (between-subject variation) of 15% to 30% for 24-hour urine samples. This is important because urine albumin levels are crucial for assessing the risk of chronic kidney disease, highlighting the need for more thorough and standardized research in this area. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic kidney disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at how blood sugar levels (measured as HbA1c) changed for patients with type 2 diabetes who were referred to specialized diabetes clinics in Norway. Out of 6,716 patients, only 402 were referred, showing that just 1.5% were sent for specialized care. The researchers found that about 75% of these patients had stable blood sugar, while 14% showed improvement in blood sugar around the time of referral and 11% improved after starting treatment at the clinic. This research is important because it highlights that patients with severe blood sugar levels can significantly benefit from specialized care. Who this helps: This helps patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those with severe blood sugar issues.

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This study examined how to evaluate whether new batches of important medical materials, called secondary certified reference materials (CRMs), are equivalent to older, trusted batches. By following specific recommendations, researchers found that if the new batch shows the same measurement results as the existing batch, it can be considered reliable. This process can save time and resources for producers while ensuring they can continue providing these crucial materials for accurate medical testing. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by improving the reliability of medical test results.

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This research focused on measuring how different in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD-MDs) perform when they don't selectively target specific substances in the body. The study developed a new measure called DINS to quantify these differences, showing that variations in nonselectivity can significantly impact the accuracy of test results, particularly affecting statistical estimates. For example, DINS influenced the expected outcomes, including the average and extreme values of test predictions, highlighting its importance in assessing medical device quality. Who this helps: This benefits patients who rely on accurate diagnostic tests for their health care.

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This research paper examines how external quality assessment (EQA) programs evaluate the performance of laboratories by using standardized samples. It highlights that these samples must be reliable and representative to ensure all labs can produce accurate test results. The findings reinforce that the quality of these samples is crucial, as they directly impact the effectiveness of EQA, which helps maintain high standards in laboratory testing. Who this helps: This benefits laboratories and healthcare providers by ensuring they can deliver accurate and reliable test results to patients.

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This research paper discusses the role of External Quality Assessment (EQA) in ensuring that laboratory tests—both in labs and at the point of care—are accurate and safe for patient use. The study highlights that EQA helps not just the laboratories, but also regulatory agencies and the broader medical community by providing data that confirms test quality and supports the development of medical devices. It is crucial for maintaining trust in new testing methods, especially during health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Who this helps: Patients, healthcare providers, and diagnostic manufacturers all benefit from improved test quality and safety.

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This study looked at how external quality assessment (EQA) cycles work in laboratory testing. It found that these cycles help labs assess their performance by examining samples, comparing their results to target values, and identifying areas for improvement. This process uses fewer samples while still providing valuable information, making it both effective and cost-efficient. Who this helps: This helps laboratories improve their testing accuracy and reliability.

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This study looks at how external quality assessment (EQA) programs work and their importance in ensuring that medical tests are accurate and reliable. It details the processes involved in EQA, including what happens when samples are collected and how results are evaluated, emphasizing the benefits such assessments provide to healthcare providers and systems. Understanding these processes is crucial for improving diagnostic quality, which ultimately leads to better patient outcomes. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers who rely on accurate diagnostic tests.

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This study looks at the benefits of external quality assessment (EQA) programs for medical laboratories. It found that EQA helps improve patient care by ensuring accurate lab test results and identifying errors, ultimately leading to better diagnoses and treatments. Additionally, laboratories can use EQA samples for training staff and validating medical devices, enhancing overall lab performance. Who this helps: This benefits patients and medical laboratories by ensuring higher quality test results and improved healthcare services.

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This study looked at how becoming a parent affects young people in prisons in Latin America and how it relates to crime. Researchers interviewed 80 individuals (40 women and 40 men) and found that while parenthood can sometimes motivate young people to reduce criminal activity—like when it encourages them to find stable jobs—it can also lead to more crime, especially for those under financial stress or in abusive relationships. The findings show that the impact of parenthood varies by gender, with men feeling pressure at home and women facing challenges like single motherhood. Who this helps: This research helps policymakers and social workers design support programs for at-risk parents in prison.

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This study examined how medical tests are evaluated to ensure they are effective and safe for patients under new regulations in the U.S. and Europe. It found that tests must provide clear evidence of their effectiveness related to their specific purpose, and the quality of this evidence should match the risks involved, with a focus on established measures like sensitivity and specificity. This is important because ensuring tests work well can improve patient care and safety. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by ensuring reliable medical tests.

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This study looked at how well patients could manage their own warfarin treatment compared to being treated by doctors. Over a period of up to 7.4 years, patients who self-managed had a 1.25% risk of being hospitalized for severe bleeding, compared to 1.69% for those treated by doctors. The self-management group also spent more time within the target treatment range, improving from 71.6% to 78.6%. Who this helps: This benefits patients who are on warfarin therapy and are able to self-manage their treatment safely.

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This study looked at direct-to-consumer testing (DTCT), where patients order lab tests without going through healthcare professionals. Researchers found that while DTCT can give patients more control over their health, it also poses risks such as misleading information and potential harm if tests are not done correctly. Essentially, patients may confuse healthy results as medical problems, which can undermine their trust in healthcare. Who this helps: This helps patients who seek to understand their health better but need guidance on safe testing practices.

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This study looked at various biomarkers related to bone health and their variations in different people. Researchers measured the levels of six biomarkers (including leptin and osteoprotegerin) in blood samples from 91 people across five European countries over ten weeks. They found that men and women have different average levels of some biomarkers, particularly leptin and osteoprotegerin, but overall, there wasn't much difference in how these biomarkers vary between individuals. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and patients by providing clearer guidelines for interpreting bone health tests.

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This study looked at how attachment styles, which reflect how people connect with others, affect sexual risk behaviors in American Indian young adults raised in stepfamilies. The researchers found that those with anxious attachment styles were more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors, along with differences related to income and gender. Understanding these connections is important because it can help tailor prevention strategies for sexually transmitted infections in this vulnerable group. Who this helps: This helps American Indian youth and healthcare providers working with them.

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This study examined variations in certain blood markers related to erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) by comparing 14 EPP patients to 15 healthy individuals over two years. Researchers found that the levels of different types of protoporphyrin in EPP patients showed consistent variations, with the average variation for total protoporphyrin at about 9.8% and for metal-free protoporphyrin at 10.5%. This information is important because it helps healthcare providers understand how to monitor and treat EPP patients effectively, suggesting that despite differences in baseline levels, similar treatment goals can be applied. Who this helps: This helps patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria and their doctors.

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This study looked at how negative experiences in childhood, like emotional abuse and neglect, affect the ability of African immigrants in the U.S. to fit into society. It found that about 43% of the participants had experienced four or more of these hardships, which were linked to feeling excluded socially and economically. Depression often made this exclusion worse, especially for those who had gone through a lot of challenges in childhood, highlighting the need for support that addresses these early life experiences. Who this helps: This research benefits African immigrants and the organizations that support their integration.

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This study looked at how well four different point-of-care systems performed in measuring prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR) for patients on Warfarin. It found that only the microINR device met the standards for accuracy, while the qLabs and ProTime systems met certain repeatability standards. The Xprecia Stride was rated the easiest to use, but the other devices had issues with applying samples and confusing error messages. This matters because it helps healthcare providers choose the best tools for monitoring blood clotting, which is crucial for patient safety and effective treatment. Who this helps: Patients on Warfarin and their doctors.

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This study focused on the experiences of Puerto Ricans who migrated to the U.S. after Hurricane María in 2017 and how these experiences affected their mental health. Researchers found four main types of trauma related to the hurricane: most people experienced some form of loss, while a smaller group faced multiple challenges, and those with the most severe traumas had a very high rate of PTSD—59%. Understanding these different experiences is crucial for better support and resources for affected individuals. Who this helps: This helps disaster survivors, mental health professionals, and policymakers.

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This study introduces a new program called NOPAM that helps laboratories check the quality of their tests by comparing results among themselves. It includes 40 common tests, like liver and thyroid function tests, and provides useful data, such as daily averages and how many results exceed normal limits, which helps identify when problems occur in testing methods. The findings highlight significant differences in how tests are performed across labs, showing that standardizing procedures is important for accurate patient care. Who this helps: This benefits patients by ensuring more reliable test results and better healthcare decisions.

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This study looked at the normal variations in hormone levels—specifically testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, luteinizing hormone (LH), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S)—in men by analyzing blood samples taken weekly from 38 men over ten weeks. The researchers found that testosterone levels varied by about 10%, FSH by 8%, prolactin by 13%, LH by 22%, and DHEA-S by 9%. Understanding these variations is important for accurately interpreting lab tests, which aids in diagnosing hormonal and reproductive health issues. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients dealing with hormonal disorders.

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This study looked at how to set standards for laboratory tests based on biological variation (BV), which is how much certain test results can naturally differ among healthy individuals. Researchers found that using BV data can help create more accurate and reliable performance specifications for lab tests, as long as the data is accurate. This is important because it can improve the quality of medical testing, ensuring patients receive better diagnoses and treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by enhancing the accuracy of laboratory tests.

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This study looked at how people with type 1 diabetes in Norway managed their blood sugar and experienced low blood sugar events over time, particularly with the use of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Between 2012 and 2020, average blood sugar levels (measured as HbA1c) dropped from 8.2% to 7.7%, and serious low blood sugar incidents fell from 16.9% to 6.2%. This is important because it shows that better monitoring methods, like CGM, can significantly improve diabetes management and reduce dangerous low blood sugar levels. Who this helps: This helps patients with type 1 diabetes and their doctors in managing the condition more effectively.

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This research paper reviews the history and developments in understanding porphyrias, a group of disorders related to problems in hemoglobin production. Key milestones include identifying various types of porphyrias over 150 years, connecting certain compounds to these conditions, and discovering effective treatments like haematin for acute attacks. By 2000, researchers could identify specific genetic mutations linked to porphyrias, which has improved diagnosis and opened doors for new therapies. Who this helps: Patients with porphyrias and their families benefit from better diagnosis and treatment options.

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This study examined how the initial measurement of certain blood components, like sodium and calcium, affects the accuracy of tracking changes in those levels over time. The researchers found that if a patient’s initial test result is below average, the next result is likely to be higher, and if it’s above average, the next result is likely to be lower. This new way of understanding test results could help doctors make better decisions about patients' health based on more accurate predictions of their test changes. Who this helps: Doctors and patients who rely on blood tests for health assessments.

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This study looked at how various biological markers related to metabolism and growth behave in triathletes, who have unique physical conditions that might affect these markers. Researchers collected and analyzed samples from 30 triathletes over 11 months, finding that the variation in insulin levels was the highest at 27%, while IGFBP-3 had the lowest at 7.8%. These findings are important because they help improve the accuracy of monitoring athletes for changes in these markers, which is crucial for both enforcing fair play and ensuring athlete health. Who this helps: This helps athletes, coaches, and sports health professionals.

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This study focused on how to set quality standards for pathology tests, which are important for diagnosing and treating patients. Researchers explored a method that uses the Milan models, which look at different aspects like clinical outcomes and biological differences, to help ensure that tests are accurate and effective. They found that considering all available information and understanding the specific use of each test can improve decision-making in healthcare. Who this helps: This benefits patients and healthcare providers by ensuring that diagnostic tests are reliable and meet clinical needs.

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This paper looks at how well medical tests need to perform to actually benefit patients and avoid causing harm. It discusses how crucial it is to first understand what outcomes doctors want before deciding how accurate a test should be. The authors highlight that establishing acceptable error rates is key and offer guidance on improving how we define and measure these performance standards in labs. Who this helps: This benefits doctors and laboratory professionals who develop and use medical tests.

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This study explored a new way to create reference intervals (RIs) for medical tests by using a smaller group of people and information about biological variation. Researchers found that using this new method allowed them to obtain reliable reference ranges, which showed only a minimal difference from traditional methods (a median ratio of 0.98). This is important because it suggests that we can establish reliable reference norms with fewer individuals, making the process cheaper and faster while still providing accurate information for assessing patients' health. Who this helps: This benefits doctors by providing faster and more efficient ways to establish test reference ranges.

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This study focuses on improving how laboratory tests are used to help patients by making them more effective, less expensive, and more aligned with what doctors really need to know. It emphasizes the importance of not just how many tests are done or how much they cost, but rather how they contribute to better patient care. Key advancements in technology and data management are expected to play a big role in this future approach, which aims to ensure tests lead to meaningful health outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and healthcare providers by enhancing the quality and efficiency of testing.

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This study examined the experiences of nearly 29,100 people with type 2 diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on differences between men and women. It found that women reported more anxiety, depression, and fear about their diabetes medications compared to men, with 14% experiencing vaccine complications, and 27.3% of those infected reporting long COVID symptoms. These findings highlight the need for healthcare strategies that address the unique challenges women face, especially regarding mental health and vaccine side effects. Who this helps: This benefits patients, particularly women with type 2 diabetes.