Broadcast from KSQD, Santa Cruz on 10-10-2024:

• Dr. Dawn announces Medicare's new list of over 200 drugs available for $2 per 30-day supply, covering a wide range of medications.
• She discusses a new urine test called ExoDx for prostate cancer screening, which can help avoid unnecessary biopsies in the "gray zone" of elevated PSA levels.
• The doctor addresses a listener's question about Klebsiella pneumoniae found in a nasal swab, explaining colonization versus infection and the risks of unnecessary antibiotic use.
• Dr. Dawn explores the reliability of QuantiFERON TB tests, suggesting potential false positives and the importance of retesting with different antigen tubes.
• She discusses orthostatic hypotension in older adults, offering practical tips like squeezing a firm ball before standing up and proper standing techniques to prevent falls.
• The doctor explains the importance of vitamin A for vegans, highlighting potential BCMO1 genetic variations that may affect beta-carotene conversion and recommending blood tests.
• Dr. Dawn addresses a question about elevated bilirubin levels post-gallbladder removal, discussing possible causes and diagnostic procedures like MRI and ERCP.