NINA-LAMP compared to microscopy, RDT, and nested PCR for the detection of imported malaria.

Microscopy and field adaptable rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are not sensitive and specific in certain conditions such as poor training of microscopists, lack of electricity, or lower sensitivity in the detection of non-falciparum malaria. More sensitive point-of-care testing (POCT) would reduce delays in diagnosis and initiation of therapy. In the current study, we have evaluated the efficacy of noninstrumented nucleic acid amplification (NINA) coupled with loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) for detection of traveler's malaria (n=140) in comparison with microscopy, nested PCR, and the only Food and Drug Administration-approved rapid diagnostic test.

How healthcare systems evaluate their advance care planning initiatives: Results from a systematic review.

Background: Advance care planning initiatives are being implemented across healthcare systems around the world, but how best to evaluate their implementation is unknown.

Aim: To identify gaps and/or redundancies in current evaluative strategies to help healthcare systems develop future evaluative frameworks for ACP.

Design: Systematic review.