A new diagnostic aid for autism spectrum disorder is set to launch, using a revolutionary test that analyzes environmental exposures over time by tracking a single strand of hair. LinusBio’s ClearStrand-ASD test aims to help physicians rule out the likelihood of autism developing in infants and toddlers under age three.
The test uses laser technology to scan the length of the hair, generating a molecular profile of chemicals the person has been exposed to. This allows for a “molecular movie” of the individual’s exposure history, compared to traditional diagnostics which offer only snapshots of time.
ClearStrand-ASD is geared towards children with an elevated risk of developing autism, including those born preterm or with a sibling with autism. The test cannot deliver a positive diagnosis but can help rule out certain exposures that may contribute to the development of autism.
According to LinusBio’s CEO, Manish Arora, “Earlier diagnosis and intervention in children’s formative years have become critical public health priorities.” The test boasts a 92.5% negative predictive value and will be available in 45 states upon launch, excluding California, Hawaii, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.
Source: https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/linusbio-launch-autism-diagnostic-aid-using-single-strand-hair