Linus Biotechnology Inc., a precision medicine startup, has launched ClearStrand-ASD, a novel biomarker test that analyzes a single hair strand to detect autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children aged 1 to 36 months. The test has been shown to be 92.5% accurate and does not provide a diagnosis but helps doctors rule out ASD.
The test is designed for infants and toddlers at higher risk of autism, including those born preterm or showing early signs of ASD. It analyzes metabolic patterns in the body’s response to environmental exposures over time. The results can help inform decisions to refer a child for early intervention and diagnostic evaluation by an autism specialist.
ClearStrand-ASD uses laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) to analyze a child’s metabolic history, examining how the body metabolizes elements like mercury, lead, cadmium, and arsenic. The test does not replace clinical diagnosis but offers a data-driven tool for early screening.
The results are either negative or non-negative, with a negative result indicating a 92.5% probability that the child is not autistic. A non-negative result suggests further evaluation may be needed. Parents can request the test from home through an independent telehealth provider, and a doctor must approve it. If the test detects the biomarker, autism is unlikely, but further evaluation by a specialist may be necessary.
The test has been tested on 490 high-risk children in California, with results showing a 92.5% accuracy rate. This new technology aims to make early intervention more efficient and reduce wait times for those most in need of treatment.
Source: https://www.geneonline.com/first-of-its-kind-diagnostic-aid-uses-a-single-hair-strand-to-detect-autism-risk-in-babies