Laboratory Medicine Program

Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers Panel, CSF

Clinical Decription:
Modern diagnostic frameworks define Alzheimer’s disease biologically, based on the presence of amyloid and tau pathology, rather than clinical symptoms alone. Key principles include: AD pathology begins years before symptoms; Abnormal core biomarkers = evidence of AD pathology, even if asymptomatic; Clinical syndromes (e.g., mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia) are not specific to AD. CSF biomarkers provide a validated alternative to amyloid PET, with comparable diagnostic performance. They improve diagnostic accuracy and confidence; influence clinical management decisions and enable earlier diagnosis, often at MCI stage. They are particularly useful in: atypical or early-onset presentations, diagnostic uncertainty and consideration of disease-modifying therapies.

Method: ECLIA; Roche Elecsys® Generation 2

Component Tests Used: n/a

Reference Ranges Used:
Reference ranges for this test are not available online. However, they are included in all test results. For more information, please call us.

Specimen Type: Spinal Fluid
Volume: n/a

Shipping: None

Special Instructions: Collection Procedure: 1. Perform lumbar puncture and do not use the first 2mL of CSF for Alzheimer’s disease testing. 2. If CSF remains visibly bloody after the first 2 mL, continue collection into non–blue-cap tubes until CSF clears. 3. Allow CSF to drip directly from the needle hub into the blue-cap tube to the 2.5 mL fill line (minimum acceptable volume: 1.5 mL). Do not use a syringe or extension tubing. This results in the minimization of Amyloid-ß loss in the sample. Critical Specimen Handling Steps: No transferring of CSF between tubes. Keep tube upright whenever possible from collection to freezing.

Testing Schedule(s): Please call

Turnaround Time: 14 days

For more information, call 416.340.5227 or 1.866.865.5227