Diagnostic Testing for
Alzheimer’s Disease

We empower healthcare professionals with cutting-edge solutions for neurological testing, focusing on early, accurate detection of neurodegenerative diseases—most notably Alzheimer’s disease. Our new ALZpath™ p-Tau 217 blood test offers unmatched diagnostic accuracy and is now available for clinical use in our CAP/CLIA-certified laboratory.

Why Early Detection Matters

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the buildup of extracellular amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau (p-Tau). These changes can begin years before symptoms appear, making early biomarker-based detection critical for timely diagnosis and care.

p-Tau 217: A Breakthrough Biomarker

Tau proteins help stabilize nerve cell structures, but when they become hyperphosphorylated, they aggregate into tangles that disrupt brain function. Among tau isoforms, p-Tau 217 has proven to be one of the most reliable indicators of Alzheimer’s disease. Elevated p-Tau 217 levels in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) strongly correlate with disease progression and align closely with amyloid and tau PET imaging results.

NFL Lab Test for Alzheimer’s Disease

The NFL (Neurofilament Light Chain) test is a simple blood test that helps measure nerve cell damage in the brain. When brain cells are injured or start to break down—something that can happen in Alzheimer’s disease—NFL levels in the blood may rise.
This test does not diagnose Alzheimer’s by itself, but it provides important information about how your brain is functioning. Doctors often use it along with memory testing, imaging, and other lab work to get a clearer picture of early cognitive decline.
The benefit of the NFL test is that it can help detect changes years before symptoms become more noticeable, giving patients a better chance to start treatment, make lifestyle changes, and plan ahead.
If you have concerns about memory, confusion, or family history of Alzheimer’s, this test can be a helpful part of your evaluation.

Plasma GFAP Test for Alzheimer’s Disease

Plasma GFAP (Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein) is a blood test that measures a protein released when certain brain support cells—called astrocytes—are stressed or damaged. Elevated GFAP levels can be an early sign of changes in the brain that are seen in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
This test does not diagnose Alzheimer’s on its own, but it helps your provider understand whether there may be early brain inflammation or injury. GFAP is often used together with other Alzheimer’s biomarkers—such as NFL, tau, or beta-amyloid tests—to give a more complete picture.
Because GFAP changes can appear early, this test may help identify risk or brain changes before major memory symptoms develop, allowing earlier evaluation, monitoring, and treatment planning.
If you’re experiencing memory concerns or have a family history of Alzheimer’s, this test can be an important part of your assessment.

About the ALZpath™ p-Tau 217 Test

Our ALZpath™ p-Tau 217 assay matches the performance of CSF-based testing while offering the convenience of a blood draw. In clinical validation studies, it achieved high diagnostic accuracy in identifying amyloid PET-positive individuals (AUC = 0.932).

Test Specifications:

Alzheimer's Disease Panel

Includes three tests: p-Tau 217, NfL, and GFAP, to provide a more complete picture of brain health.
  • p-Tau 217 reflects Alzheimer’s-specific brain changes.
  • NfL shows overall nerve cell damage from many neurological conditions.
  • GFAP detects early brain inflammation or injury.
Together, they help distinguish Alzheimer’s disease from other causes of cognitive decline, identify early changes before symptoms worsen, and improve diagnostic accuracy and monitoring over time.

Plasma Phosphorylated Tau 217 (p-Tau 217)

When Tau protein becomes hyperphosphorylated (p-tau), it can clump into tangles that damage and kill brain cells. The p-Tau 217 form is important as its levels rise in both blood and spinal fluid during Alzheimer’s disease, making it a useful marker for diagnosis.

Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL)

It measures NfL levels in plasma to help evaluate neurological disorders. NfL is a general marker of nerve cell damage, and higher levels are linked to conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, and traumatic brain injury.

Plasma Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP)

GFAP is a protein released by brain cells (astrocytes) when the brain is under stress from injury, inflammation, or disease. Higher blood GFAP levels can indicate early brain changes and are often seen in Alzheimer’s, even in mild cognitive impairment.
GFAP can be elevated in Alzheimer’s and other brain conditions like stroke, trauma or neurodegenerative diseases. When combined with p-Tau, it can improve the accuracy of diagnosing or predicting Alzheimer’s

Accessible, Patient-Focused Testing

Our services are designed for both patients and healthcare providers, with a streamlined ordering process that ensures efficiency, clarity, and convenience from start to finish.

Together, we can change the future of Alzheimer’s diagnosis—making early detection more accurate, accessible, and actionable.