Alzheimer's blood test trial launched in UK

A major UK clinical trial has begun recruiting over 1,000 patients to assess the effectiveness of a new blood test for Alzheimer's disease within the NHS. The study, led by University College London (UCL), will be rolled out across 20 NHS memory clinics to determine how the test performs in a real-world clinical setting.

The blood test measures levels of the biomarker p-tau217, which is an indicator of the amyloid and tau proteins that are the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Currently, diagnosis relies on cognitive tests, which have a 70% accuracy rate, with definitive diagnosis only possible through specialist PET scans or invasive lumbar punctures - procedures that only 2% of patients receive. Scientists believe this new blood test could increase diagnostic accuracy to over 90%.

The study aims to establish whether providing earlier, more accurate results can speed up the diagnostic process, guide further investigations, and improve patient outcomes. If successful, the test could become a standard part of the diagnostic pathway, enabling patients to access support and future treatments sooner.

A comment from the IBMS President

IBMS President Joanna Andrew commented on the personal significance of such developments:

Dementia is such a cruel disease. My mum was finally diagnosed in 2022. I had suspected she had dementia for at least five years before the diagnosis. If this blood test had been available, then it could have been so different; we could have had conversations and planned more for the future. Mum may even have been able to have treatment to live better for longer. Even though my mum is still with us, I miss her so much. She knows nothing about my presidency, and she would have been so proud.

Implications for biomedical science

The successful integration of such a test into routine clinical practice would depend on the biomedical science workforce. Implementation will require validated laboratory methods with robust internal quality control (IQC) and external quality assessment (EQA) schemes. Clear clinical pathways for requesting, interpreting, and communicating results will be essential, alongside comprehensive training for both laboratory and clinical staff to ensure equitable and reliable access for all patients.