Story perspectives

FDA Approves Non-Invasive Alzheimer’s Blood Test, Sparks Concerns

11/7/2025

Summary

Story summary

The FDA approved Roche’s Elecsys pTau181 blood test for early Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
The test measures phosphorylated tau-181 levels and is non-invasive.
A negative result can rule out Alzheimer’s, but a positive result does not confirm the disease.
In Australia, general practitioners report low confidence, with only 9% expressing readiness to use these tests.
The upcoming pTau217 test promises improved predictive accuracy and highlights education needs.

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Story summary

The FDA approved Roche’s Elecsys pTau181 blood test for early Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
The test measures phosphorylated tau-181 levels and is non-invasive.
A negative result can rule out Alzheimer’s, but a positive result does not confirm the disease.
In Australia, general practitioners report low confidence, with only 9% expressing readiness to use these tests.
The upcoming pTau217 test promises improved predictive accuracy and highlights education needs.