Post by luxetvox on Jul 31, 2023 11:43:29 GMT
Quest Introduces First-To-Market Consumer-Initiated Blood Test for Alzheimer's
Disease Risk Assessment on questhealth.com
PR Newswire
SECAUCUS, N.J., July 31, 2023
AD-Detect™ Test for Alzheimer's Disease is the first blood-based biomarker
test for assessing beta amyloid protein, a recognized marker of Alzheimer's
disease, available for consumer purchase to help individuals identify their
risk of developing Alzheimer's disease
Physician oversight included in offering, helping individuals interpret
results and determine next steps
SECAUCUS, N.J., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX),
the leader in diagnostic information services, today announced the
availability of the AD-Detect™ Test for Alzheimer's Disease on questhealth.com
– the first blood test available for consumer purchase that helps assess
potential risk of developing Alzheimer's disease based on a brain protein that
contributes to the condition.*
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated logo. (PRNewsFoto/Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated)
Quest launches the novel innovation amid a rapidly changing landscape for
Alzheimer's disease care, featuring new and emerging therapies, growing
recognition that non-pharmacological interventions can reduce Alzheimer's
disease risk, and greater medical acceptance of blood tests to aid early
Alzheimer's disease detection.
AD-Detect is a screening test that uses plasma, the liquid component of blood,
from a single blood draw to evaluate levels of amyloid beta proteins to help
detect early signs associated with the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Amyloid beta proteins are known to accumulate and form plaques in the brain,
which are linked to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. AD-Detect
evaluates the ratio of two peptides of amyloid beta, Aβ42 and Aβ40, in plasma.
The new consumer-initiated test utilizes the same expertise and technology as
Quest's clinical AD-Detect Amyloid Beta 42/40 Ratio test, an analytically
validated blood test that aids in assessing the risk of Alzheimer's
disease^i,ii, which the company launched for physician ordering in early 2022.
By making the innovation available through Quest's consumer-initiated testing
platform, questhealth.com, people can purchase AD-Detect without the need to
visit a doctor first, giving them greater agency over the decision on when and
how to assess their cognitive health. The test offering also ensures
individuals have access to a continuum of care, with an independent physician
network providing clinical oversight of test ordering and results delivery.
Individuals can discuss results with a licensed physician to help them
understand what their results may mean and to determine an action plan for
continued care, including whether a follow-up with their physician or a
specialist may be appropriate.
"We are seeing much attention on emerging therapies for Alzheimer's disease,
but with new treatment options will come the need to make screening and
diagnosis more widely available. Blood tests like AD-Detect hold incredible
potential to make Alzheimer's disease risk assessment both accessible and
convenient," said Michael K. Racke, M.D., Medical Director of Neurology, Quest
Diagnostics. "We're also seeing a push from consumers who have a desire to
take more control of their health, including within more advanced areas like
Alzheimer's disease risk assessment."
Consumers have expressed a desire to take a more proactive approach to
Alzheimer's disease screening and a willingness to explore earlier diagnosis,
particularly if it can connect them to earlier treatment options. A recent
research report^iii from Quest Diagnostics based on a Harris Poll survey found
that adult Americans want to be evaluated for dementia, including Alzheimer's
disease, nearly 10 years earlier than current medical practice^iv – even
despite fear of a diagnosis. The vast majority (86%) also believe blood tests
for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease risk will increasingly become a
regular part of preventative care.
Detection of Alzheimer's disease has traditionally involved screening
individuals for symptoms of cognitive impairment, such as forgetfulness,
followed by invasive and expensive tests, such as PET scans and cerebrospinal
fluid tests, to confirm a diagnosis. Interventions to stall or potentially
mitigate Alzheimer's disease, including behavioral changes (such as exercising
more) or use of emerging Alzheimer's disease therapies, may be most effective
when initiated in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
The new test from Quest may be appropriate for individuals who believe they
are experiencing cognitive decline or if an individual's loved one recognizes
potential signs of mild cognitive impairment, such as memory loss, as well as
those with family history of Alzheimer's disease – even if they are not
exhibiting symptoms, are 65 years of age or older, or have had brain trauma or
head injury. Blood tests like AD-Detect can help provide insights on potential
risk of Alzheimer's disease and help individuals facilitate necessary
discussions with their doctors.
Individuals who purchase a test online and have the test ordered by the
independent physician network will be prompted to schedule an appointment at
one of 2,100 Quest Diagnostics patient service centers for a blood draw. Test
results are made available on a secure patient portal and delivered in a
clear, easy-to-read report.
Licensed physicians provide oversight for all tests based upon the information
that individuals provide to Quest. This includes test ordering and evaluating
results once available. With AD-Detect, individuals can also discuss their
results with a licensed physician through the independent physician network
that orders the test. In addition, they can share results with other doctors,
such as their regular primary care physician, providing multiple ways to
connect with a healthcare provider who can help determine interventions and a
management plan that is most beneficial to each individual.
More than 6 million Americans^v have Alzheimer's, the most prevalent dementia,
a number projected to reach 14 million^vi by 2060. With blood tests comes the
potential to identify people at risk for Alzheimer's disease even before
symptoms manifest. A growing body of research suggests lifestyle and
environmental factors, from physical activity to social interactions, can
contribute to Alzheimer's disease.^vii
Quest Diagnostics has long-standing history of advancing science in the field
of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Through its Advanced™ Neurology
and Athena Diagnostics business, Quest provides an industry-leading menu of
laboratory tests for evaluating dementias, including Alzheimer's disease. It
pioneered the first AB 42/40 test for use in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which
is the basis for its AD-Detect 42/40 blood test. It also provides a range of
testing services to help evaluate ApoE status and the tau protein.
With the introduction of AD-Detect to its consumer-initiated testing business,
Quest is pioneering a new path in Alzheimer's disease risk assessment through
a consumer-powered channel that offers access to healthcare providers who can
help guide people to understand their results and develop a care plan.
AD-Detect is now available for purchase to adults (ages 18+) in the United
States** on questhealth.com.
Disease Risk Assessment on questhealth.com
PR Newswire
SECAUCUS, N.J., July 31, 2023
AD-Detect™ Test for Alzheimer's Disease is the first blood-based biomarker
test for assessing beta amyloid protein, a recognized marker of Alzheimer's
disease, available for consumer purchase to help individuals identify their
risk of developing Alzheimer's disease
Physician oversight included in offering, helping individuals interpret
results and determine next steps
SECAUCUS, N.J., July 31, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX),
the leader in diagnostic information services, today announced the
availability of the AD-Detect™ Test for Alzheimer's Disease on questhealth.com
– the first blood test available for consumer purchase that helps assess
potential risk of developing Alzheimer's disease based on a brain protein that
contributes to the condition.*
Quest Diagnostics Incorporated logo. (PRNewsFoto/Quest Diagnostics
Incorporated)
Quest launches the novel innovation amid a rapidly changing landscape for
Alzheimer's disease care, featuring new and emerging therapies, growing
recognition that non-pharmacological interventions can reduce Alzheimer's
disease risk, and greater medical acceptance of blood tests to aid early
Alzheimer's disease detection.
AD-Detect is a screening test that uses plasma, the liquid component of blood,
from a single blood draw to evaluate levels of amyloid beta proteins to help
detect early signs associated with the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Amyloid beta proteins are known to accumulate and form plaques in the brain,
which are linked to the progression of Alzheimer's disease. AD-Detect
evaluates the ratio of two peptides of amyloid beta, Aβ42 and Aβ40, in plasma.
The new consumer-initiated test utilizes the same expertise and technology as
Quest's clinical AD-Detect Amyloid Beta 42/40 Ratio test, an analytically
validated blood test that aids in assessing the risk of Alzheimer's
disease^i,ii, which the company launched for physician ordering in early 2022.
By making the innovation available through Quest's consumer-initiated testing
platform, questhealth.com, people can purchase AD-Detect without the need to
visit a doctor first, giving them greater agency over the decision on when and
how to assess their cognitive health. The test offering also ensures
individuals have access to a continuum of care, with an independent physician
network providing clinical oversight of test ordering and results delivery.
Individuals can discuss results with a licensed physician to help them
understand what their results may mean and to determine an action plan for
continued care, including whether a follow-up with their physician or a
specialist may be appropriate.
"We are seeing much attention on emerging therapies for Alzheimer's disease,
but with new treatment options will come the need to make screening and
diagnosis more widely available. Blood tests like AD-Detect hold incredible
potential to make Alzheimer's disease risk assessment both accessible and
convenient," said Michael K. Racke, M.D., Medical Director of Neurology, Quest
Diagnostics. "We're also seeing a push from consumers who have a desire to
take more control of their health, including within more advanced areas like
Alzheimer's disease risk assessment."
Consumers have expressed a desire to take a more proactive approach to
Alzheimer's disease screening and a willingness to explore earlier diagnosis,
particularly if it can connect them to earlier treatment options. A recent
research report^iii from Quest Diagnostics based on a Harris Poll survey found
that adult Americans want to be evaluated for dementia, including Alzheimer's
disease, nearly 10 years earlier than current medical practice^iv – even
despite fear of a diagnosis. The vast majority (86%) also believe blood tests
for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease risk will increasingly become a
regular part of preventative care.
Detection of Alzheimer's disease has traditionally involved screening
individuals for symptoms of cognitive impairment, such as forgetfulness,
followed by invasive and expensive tests, such as PET scans and cerebrospinal
fluid tests, to confirm a diagnosis. Interventions to stall or potentially
mitigate Alzheimer's disease, including behavioral changes (such as exercising
more) or use of emerging Alzheimer's disease therapies, may be most effective
when initiated in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
The new test from Quest may be appropriate for individuals who believe they
are experiencing cognitive decline or if an individual's loved one recognizes
potential signs of mild cognitive impairment, such as memory loss, as well as
those with family history of Alzheimer's disease – even if they are not
exhibiting symptoms, are 65 years of age or older, or have had brain trauma or
head injury. Blood tests like AD-Detect can help provide insights on potential
risk of Alzheimer's disease and help individuals facilitate necessary
discussions with their doctors.
Individuals who purchase a test online and have the test ordered by the
independent physician network will be prompted to schedule an appointment at
one of 2,100 Quest Diagnostics patient service centers for a blood draw. Test
results are made available on a secure patient portal and delivered in a
clear, easy-to-read report.
Licensed physicians provide oversight for all tests based upon the information
that individuals provide to Quest. This includes test ordering and evaluating
results once available. With AD-Detect, individuals can also discuss their
results with a licensed physician through the independent physician network
that orders the test. In addition, they can share results with other doctors,
such as their regular primary care physician, providing multiple ways to
connect with a healthcare provider who can help determine interventions and a
management plan that is most beneficial to each individual.
More than 6 million Americans^v have Alzheimer's, the most prevalent dementia,
a number projected to reach 14 million^vi by 2060. With blood tests comes the
potential to identify people at risk for Alzheimer's disease even before
symptoms manifest. A growing body of research suggests lifestyle and
environmental factors, from physical activity to social interactions, can
contribute to Alzheimer's disease.^vii
Quest Diagnostics has long-standing history of advancing science in the field
of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. Through its Advanced™ Neurology
and Athena Diagnostics business, Quest provides an industry-leading menu of
laboratory tests for evaluating dementias, including Alzheimer's disease. It
pioneered the first AB 42/40 test for use in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which
is the basis for its AD-Detect 42/40 blood test. It also provides a range of
testing services to help evaluate ApoE status and the tau protein.
With the introduction of AD-Detect to its consumer-initiated testing business,
Quest is pioneering a new path in Alzheimer's disease risk assessment through
a consumer-powered channel that offers access to healthcare providers who can
help guide people to understand their results and develop a care plan.
AD-Detect is now available for purchase to adults (ages 18+) in the United
States** on questhealth.com.
