Labcorp said it will offer the Elecsys pTau181 test, which it said is the only blood test cleared by the FDA to aid in the initial assessment for Alzheimer's disease and other causes of cognitive decline in the primary-care setting.
Developed by Roche Diagnostics, Labcorp plans to make the test available nationwide by early 2026.
The Elecsys pTau181 test is intended for adults ages 55 and older with signs, symptoms or complaints of cognitive decline. Clinicians can order the test to help rule out Alzheimer's-related amyloid pathology and identify patients who may benefit from further evaluation.
Performed via a blood draw, the test offers an accessible, more affordable and less invasive alternative to traditional tests such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing obtained through lumbar puncture and PET scans. Once the test is ordered, the blood draw can be completed in a doctor's office or at any of Labcorp's more than 2,200 patient service centers (PSCs) nationwide.
