Quest Diagnostics Launches First Direct-to-Consumer Blood Test for Alzheimer’s Disease
CHICAGO, July 31 – Quest Diagnostics has introduced the first direct-to-consumer blood test to detect abnormal levels of beta amyloid, a protein associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The test, called AD-Detect, is priced at $399 and utilizes the same technology as a blood test currently available to doctors.
Dr. Michael Racke, Quest’s medical director of neurology, highlighted the advantage of this test, stating that it can identify individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s years before symptoms occur. This early detection can provide individuals with valuable information and potentially allow for lifestyle interventions and participation in clinical trials.
The launch of the consumer test follows recent regulatory approval of Leqembi, a drug that removes amyloid from the brain and has been shown to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s in early-stage patients. Another treatment called donanemab is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, further emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention.
Adults aged 18 and older who may have mild memory loss or a family history of Alzheimer’s can now access the AD-Detect test. The process involves purchasing the test on Quest’s website, which is then reviewed by a telemedicine doctor to ensure medical necessity. Upon approval, patients can view their results online and have the option to speak with a physician at no additional cost.
If the test indicates a positive result, individuals will be contacted by a doctor to discuss the next steps and potentially share the results with other physicians. However, concerns have been raised regarding individuals who test positive but are asymptomatic, as they may seek further testing without qualifying for treatment.
Dr. Sarah Kremen, a neurologist at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, cautioned against unnecessary testing for asymptomatic individuals and emphasized the potential benefits of lifestyle interventions to reduce the risk or delay the onset of symptoms.
It is important to note that Quest’s lab-developed test has not undergone FDA review. However, such tests are typically not subject to FDA review as long as they are prescribed by a healthcare provider.
The launch of the AD-Detect test represents a significant development in Alzheimer’s disease detection and emphasizes the importance of early intervention. As research and technology continue to advance in this field, individuals can gain further insights into their risk for the disease and explore potential treatment options.
Reporting by Julie Steenhuysen; Editing by Richard Chang and Bill Berkrot