The Elecsys pTau-181 test helps primary care clinicians rule out Alzheimer’s disease in symptomatic patients aged 55 and older.
Labcorp announced the nationwide availability of the Elecsys pTau-181 test, the first blood test cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to aid in the initial assessment of Alzheimer’s disease in the primary care setting.
The test helps clinicians rule out Alzheimer’s disease by identifying which symptomatic patients aged 55 and older are unlikely to have amyloid pathology—abnormal protein buildup in the brain associated with Alzheimer’s disease—in the context of all clinical findings. Patients with negative results can be evaluated for other potential causes of cognitive decline, while patients with positive results can be referred for additional testing.
“Primary care clinicians are often the first point of contact for patients with concerns related to cognitive symptoms, yet Alzheimer’s testing has historically required a visit to a specialist,” says Dr Brian Caveney, chief medical and scientific officer at Labcorp, in a release. “By making this first-of-its-kind blood test available nationwide, Labcorp is giving primary care clinicians a powerful tool to help patients get answers sooner and guide next steps with confidence.”
The test was developed by Roche Diagnostics and cleared by the FDA in 2025. The launch expands Labcorp’s portfolio of Alzheimer’s disease blood tests, offering clinicians solutions across both primary and specialty care settings.
Addressing Growing Healthcare Need
With an estimated 7.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, the new test addresses a gap in primary care diagnostics. Previously, Alzheimer’s testing typically required referral to specialists, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment decisions.
The blood-based test offers several advantages over traditional diagnostic methods, according to a release from the company, including increased accessibility in primary care settings and the potential for earlier assessment of cognitive symptoms. The test specifically measures phosphorylated tau-181, a biomarker associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology.
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