New Blood Test Shows High Accuracy in Detecting ALS Years Before Symptoms

New Blood Test Shows High Accuracy in Detecting ALS Years Before Symptoms
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Researchers have developed a highly accurate blood test for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), capable of identifying disease-related changes up to a decade before symptoms appear, according to Nature Medicine. The test is based on a panel of 33 proteins found at altered levels in ALS patients. Two of these, neurofilament light chain (NfL) and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), were already linked to the disease, while 31 were newly identified.

Using data from 231 ALS patients, 170 with other neurological conditions, and 214 healthy individuals, the team built a machine learning model that distinguished ALS cases with 98.3% accuracy. The test also showed potential in forecasting when asymptomatic individuals might develop their first ALS symptoms, challenging the long-held belief that onset occurs only 12–18 months before diagnosis. Instead, evidence suggests ALS-related changes may begin a decade earlier.

Researchers stressed the need for broader validation in more diverse populations, as most participants were of European descent. A patent for the test is pending, with support from the U.S. National Institutes of Health and Merck. Scientists hope earlier detection will allow patients to access trials and therapies sooner.