The Alzheimer’s Association announced July 29 that it has published its first clinical practice guideline (CPG) on the uses of blood-based biomarker (BBM) tests. They say the recommendations apply to situations where patients with cognitive impairment are being seen in specialized care for memory disorders.
“The guideline focuses on the use of blood-based biomarker tests by specialists to assess levels of Alzheimer’s disease pathology in people with cognitive impairment,” they write.
Dr. Maria C. Carrillo, guideline co-author and the association’s chief science officer and medical affairs lead calls the release a pivotal moment in Alzheimer’s care. “For the first time, we have a rigorously evidence-based guideline that empowers clinicians to use blood biomarker tests confidently and consistently. Adoption of these recommendations will lead to quicker, more accessible, more accurate diagnoses.”
The association also warns that there is “significant variability” in diagnostic test accuracy. Many commercially available BBM tests do not meet the guideline’s thresholds.
“Not all BBM tests have been validated to the same standard or tested broadly across patient populations and clinical settings,” says Dr. Rebecca M. Edelmayer, the association’s vice president of scientific engagement and co-author of the guideline. “Yet patients and clinicians may assume these tests are interchangeable.”
