Quest Diagnostics has launched a new blood biomarker test as part of its AD-Detect portfolio of blood tests for Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk assessment.
The new test is for phosphorylated tau 217 (p-tau217), a biomarker that has been shown in research to be useful in the early diagnosis of AD. In a statement, Quest said that the test is expected to be available for ordering on April 26, 2024.
The AD-Detect suite also includes tests for biomarkers p-tau181 and amyloid beta proteins, as well as apolipoprotein E isoform and plasma testing for patients with cognitive impairment. Following a physician's test order, patients may go to any of Quest's 2,000 U.S. patient service centers to have blood drawn for testing.
Although the use of amyloid PET imaging is well established in the early diagnosis of AD, PET scans are considerably more expensive and invasive than blood testing; furthermore, access to PET imaging and specialists is often limited.
"Testing to assess Alzheimer's disease has changed rapidly in the last few years, and we expect this area to continue evolving," Dr. Michael Racke, medical director of Neurology at Quest Diagnostics, said.
"The future of assessing risk or diagnosing AD will likely include a variety of testing modalities and biomarkers, including blood, to help clinicians identify patients in the early stages of disease progression. When examined with cognitive test results, p-tau217 has the potential to aid diagnosis, and will play a valuable role in assessing patients with cognitive impairment, especially when combined with other tests," Racke added.
