#United States #Alzheimer's Disease #Quest Diagnostics #Secaucus #AD-Detect

Quest Diagnostics Launches AD-Detect™ Blood Test

In a groundbreaking development in Alzheimer's disease diagnostics, Quest Diagnostics has unveiled its new AD-Detect™ blood test. This advanced laboratory test is designed to assist healthcare providers in confirming amyloid brain pathology in patients displaying mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia. The test is a significant leap forward, combining cutting-edge technology with accessible healthcare solutions to enhance early detection methods.

Overview of the AD-Detect™ Test

The AD-Detect™ blood test, specifically the AD-Detect™ Abeta 42/40 and p-tau217 Evaluation, utilizes proprietary tandem mass spectrometry techniques to analyze amyloid beta levels, specifically AB 42/40, in conjunction with p-tau217 levels determined via an in vitro immunoassay test. This dual-analytical approach allows for the generation of the AD-Detect Likelihood Score™, a composite score derived from a validated algorithm that assesses the likelihood of amyloid pathology in patients.

This test marks an enhancement over previous offerings from Quest Diagnostics that focused on assessing individual biomarkers related to Alzheimer's. While previous tests could indicate the risk of AD, the new test aims to provide a more definitive measure of the presence of amyloid pathology, hence making it a crucial diagnostic tool.

Proven Effectiveness and Research Findings

During a recent presentation at the American Academy of Neurology’s (AAN) Annual Meeting, Quest's researchers revealed compelling data on the test's efficacy. The findings indicated a positive predictive value (PPV) of 89% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 89% among patients with mild cognitive impairment. These impressive values were reported when the test sensitivities and specificities were set at 91%. Moreover, integrating the ApoE genetic risk marker into the evaluation significantly enhanced the predictive values, demonstrating the test’s reliability within diverse patient populations.

The research encompassed 4,326 real-world specimens and identified that 42% of samples returned a high likelihood for PET positivity, contrasting with a heterogeneous group with low beta-amyloid PET positivity (39.1%). This underlines the test's robustness and adaptability across varying patient profiles, reaffirming its utility in clinical settings.

Accessibility and Practical Applications

In an era where Alzheimer's prevalence is projected to escalate—up to 14 million cases by 2060—Quest Diagnostics is committed to making vital diagnostic services more accessible. Current limitations regarding testing in New York notwithstanding, the AD-Detect™ test is orderable nationwide at any physician's discretion, facilitating blood draws at approximately 8,000 patient access points. This large network includes 2,000 dedicated patient service centers, mobile phlebotomy services, and hospital partnerships, ensuring that patients receive timely diagnoses.

The accessibility of the AD-Detect™ test stands to transform patient care. As the landscape of Alzheimer's treatment evolves, healthcare providers are eager to identify and manage the disease more effectively. In fact, 94% of physicians surveyed indicated that blood-based tests are a more cost-effective alternative to traditional diagnostic methods such as PET imaging or lumbar punctures.

A Future Filled with Potential

As the quest for effective Alzheimer's treatment progresses, Quest Diagnostics' AD-Detect™ test is positioned to meet the increasing demand for reliable diagnostic tools that facilitate prompt intervention. The research backing the AD-Detect™ test emphasizes its potential impact on early diagnosis and subsequent treatment pathways. Quest Diagnostics remains dedicated to continuing advancements in healthcare diagnostics, striving towards a future where Alzheimer’s and related dementia can be managed more effectively.

Quest Diagnostics is actively exploring new avenues in diagnostic testing, dedicated to providing better health outcomes as it works to innovate solutions for challenging health issues such as Alzheimer's disease. To learn more, visit www.QuestForTheCure.com.