There is now a blood test for early Alzheimer’s detection
In a significant advancement for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the first blood test for the disorder. Fujirebio Diagnostics’ Lumipulse test measures the ratio of two proteins in the blood that correlate with the presence or absence of Alzheimer’s. This less invasive option offers an alternative to previous screening methods like PET scans or spinal taps.
Read: Bandwidth Blog & Smile 90.4FM Tech Tuesday: Alien life detected?
The Lumipulse test is intended for use by healthcare professionals in clinical settings for patients exhibiting signs of cognitive decline. Currently, it is not designed as a general population screening tool.
The test analyses the ratio of pTau217 and β-amyloid 1-42 proteins in the blood. This ratio is indicative of amyloid plaque buildup in the brain, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Individuals with Alzheimer’s typically show elevated levels of pTau217 and reduced levels of β-amyloid 1-42.
See also
Clinical study results indicated that the test demonstrated higher accuracy in ruling out Alzheimer’s (negative results) compared to confirming its presence (positive results). Reuters reports that the test will likely be initially employed to exclude Alzheimer’s, with over 97 percent of negative results aligning with negative PET scan or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test results. Positive results showed a slightly lower correlation of 91.7 percent, suggesting that positive findings will require confirmation through more advanced diagnostic evaluations. This new blood test marks a crucial step towards less invasive and potentially more accessible early detection of Alzheimer’s disease.
Crédito: Link de origem