| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
Avoid adverse outcomes through superior testing accuracy
For patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease, newly available disease-modifying therapies (DMT) can help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve quality of life. These medications, along with lifestyle modifications and cognitive rehabilitation strategies, are most effective when initiated early in the disease course. The use of advanced laboratory testing to detect brain amyloid pathology provides precise measurements that facilitate access to targeted care.
A changing diagnostic landscape
Research on laboratory testing for Alzheimer’s disease continues to yield information on the role of blood and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers (CSF) in detecting amyloid pathology. Recognition of these biomarkers has resulted in the development of numerous biomarker evaluations. However, not all tests provide adequate sensitivity and/or specificity to enable diagnostic confidence. Nor do all tests evaluate for the most clinically meaningful biomarkers.
“When you look at how the field has evolved and now that we have disease-modifying therapies available, biomarker testing — good biomarker testing for Alzheimer's disease — will become an essential component of the clinical evaluations of patients with cognitive impairment.”
Alicia Algeciras-Schimnich, Ph.D., professor of laboratory medicine and pathology at Mayo Clinic
Testing optimized for clearer results
Our innovative plasma biomarker test, which evaluates for phosphorylated Tau 217 (p-Tau217), allows for the highest levels of sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy available. The use of a two-cutpoint approach to results enables 93% overall accuracy and improved diagnostic confidence for more patients. Testing performed in our laboratory using a binary model failed to deliver 90% overall accuracy and resulted in more false positives.
Highlights
In this episode of “Answers From the Lab,” host Bobbi Pritt, M.D., chair of the Division of Clinical Microbiology at Mayo Clinic, is joined by William Morice II, M.D., Ph.D., CEO and president of Mayo Clinic Laboratories. They discuss testing innovations for Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairments, and how laboratorians can responsibly help shape the future of healthcare.
Alicia Algeciras-Schimnich, Ph.D., discusses Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ new noninvasive plasma biomarker assay for Alzheimer’s disease, an accessible, highly accurate testing option for individuals age 50 and above who are experiencing mild cognitive impairment or early dementia. Positive test results can confirm amyloid beta pathology and facilitate access to disease-modifying therapies.
Joshua Bornhorst, Ph.D., describes the new, FDA-approved Alzheimer's disease (AD) test and how it differs from Mayo Clinic Laboratories' existing AD evaluation. The laboratory will offer both tests, to ensure flexibility and options for managing clinical care.
Let us help you dial in your patient’s diagnosis.
Take the next step in accessing the industry’s most accurate, clinically relevant plasma and cerebrospinal fluid biomarker evaluations. Schedule an appointment with one of our team members.