01 Jan 2026
Early and accurate detection of Alzheimer’s disease is becoming increasingly important as new treatments emerge. While traditional diagnostic tools have advanced understanding of disease biology, their invasiveness, cost and limited availability have constrained broader adoption. New peer‑reviewed research co-led by Labcorp scientists shows how blood-based testing may help change that.
A recent study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia found that combining two blood-based biomarkers—phosphorylated tau 217 (p‑tau217) and the amyloid beta 42/40 ratio—can reliably identify signs of Alzheimer’s-related brain changes. The results suggest this approach can perform similarly to establish, but more invasive testing methods that use spinal fluid or brain imaging, while offering greater potential for integration into routine clinical care.
Why blood-based biomarkers matter
Alzheimer’s disease is defined by abnormal changes in the brain, including the build-up of amyloid plaques and tau tangles. Traditionally, confirming these changes has required PET scans or lumbar punctures, which may not be readily available to all patients.
Blood-based biomarker testing offers a simpler alternative. These tests require only a standard blood draw and can be more easily incorporated into routine clinical care. As Alzheimer’s treatments increasingly depend on the confirmation of disease, accessible testing options are critical to helping patients and clinicians make informed decisions.
What the study found
In this study, researchers evaluated whether a combination of two biomarkers measured in blood could accurately reflect amyloid levels in the brain. They tested samples from individuals across the Alzheimer’s disease continuum, including participants representative of real-world clinical settings.
When used together, p‑tau217 and the amyloid beta 42/40 ratio showed strong accuracy in identifying people with abnormal amyloid in the brain. Importantly, performance remained high even in broader patient populations, supporting the potential usefulness of these tests outside of highly controlled research environments.
Labcorp’s role in advancing Alzheimer’s diagnostics
Labcorp scientists helped advance this research through deep expertise spanning biomarker development, analytical validation and clinical translation. This work builds on Labcorp’s long-standing commitment to advancing blood-based testing for neurodegenerative diseases.
By generating strong scientific evidence and translating it into practical testing solutions at scale, Labcorp aims to help expand access to consistent and confident Alzheimer’s evaluation—especially in settings where advanced imaging or specialty procedures may be limited.
Turning innovation into impact
Blood-based biomarkers are reshaping how Alzheimer’s disease can be evaluated, making testing more accessible, efficient and scalable. Studies like this support the responsible adoption of new diagnostic tools and help prepare the healthcare system for the next generation of Alzheimer’s treatments.
Through continued scientific collaboration and leadership, Labcorp remains focused on helping clinicians and patients navigate Alzheimer’s disease with greater clarity and confidence—bringing innovative science closer to everyday care.
The publication was co-authored by John W. Winslow, Ph.D., AVP/Technical Director, Labcorp Diagnostics R&D. Dr. Winslow focuses on the molecular biology and biochemistry of receptor cell signaling in the nervous system and cancer, including growth factors and receptor tyrosine kinase receptors, and neurotransmitter receptor signaling. Over the past 9 years, his primary focus has been biomarkers and diagnostic assays for neurodegenerative disease to support diagnostic and drug development testing, including Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple sclerosis (MS), Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and long COVID.