Researchers at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden are leading a groundbreaking study that could make Alzheimer’s testing significantly more accessible worldwide. The innovative approach involves a simple finger prick and a few drops of blood collected on a special card that can be mailed without the need for specialized transport.
This new testing method builds on years of research into biomarkers, which have demonstrated strong effectiveness in diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease. Initially validated using cerebrospinal fluid and venous blood samples, the biomarkers can now be accurately measured from capillary blood obtained through a finger prick.
The process is straightforward: a user collects one or two drops of blood from a finger prick onto a card designed to separate blood cells from plasma. After allowing the card to dry for about 15 minutes, it can be sent via regular mail to a laboratory for analysis using advanced high-sensitivity techniques.
In a recent study involving 203 participants from five memory clinics across Europe, researchers found that the capillary blood samples yielded results comparable to traditional venous blood tests. Hanna Huber, a researcher at the University of Gothenburg’s Sahlgrenska Academy, presented the findings at the Clinical Trials on Alzheimer’s Disease (CTAD) conference in Madrid on October 30, 2024. “The simple capillary blood test works almost as well as venous samples,” Huber noted. “Unlike traditional blood tests, this new method does not require transport on dry ice, which could greatly enhance accessibility in regions lacking advanced medical infrastructure.”
The researchers are optimistic about the test’s potential implementation within the next few years. An ongoing European study is exploring the feasibility of self-administration, allowing individuals to collect their own samples and mail them to laboratories without the need for healthcare personnel.
This timely development coincides with advancements in Alzheimer’s treatments, such as the recently approved drug lecanemab, which is effective only with early disease detection. The new test could facilitate early diagnosis, opening doors for further research into Alzheimer’s disease, including its genetic profile and prevalence in various populations.
However, researchers caution that the test is not intended for widespread population screening. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently advises against general screening for Alzheimer’s, as treatment options have historically been limited, raising ethical concerns about such practices.
The study utilizes blood collection cards from Capitainer®SEP10 and Telimmune, marking a significant step forward in making Alzheimer’s testing more accessible and efficient.
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