A team of researchers has developed a simple and cost-effective blood test that can detect Parkinson’s disease long before symptoms emerge. The test analyzes small pieces of genetic material in the blood to identify a repetitive RNA sequence that accumulates in people with the condition.
The test, which costs £80, focuses on transfer RNA fragments (tRFs) and a parallel decline in mitochondrial RNA, both of which deteriorate as Parkinson’s progresses. By measuring the ratio between these biomarkers, researchers can provide an accurate diagnosis of the disease.
The new test scored 0.86, outperforming existing clinical tests that score 0.73. It uses PCR technology to amplify the genetic material being targeted, allowing for its detection in the blood.
Experts hail the discovery as a major advancement in understanding Parkinson’s disease and offer hope for early interventions and treatments. “This research represents a new angle to explore in the search for a biological marker for Parkinson’s,” said Dr David Dexter, director of research at Parkinson’s UK.
However, more work is needed to validate the test, particularly in distinguishing between other conditions that may have similar early signs to Parkinson’s. The study was led by PhD student Nimrod Madrer and supervised by Prof Hermona Soreq from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/apr/12/blood-test-could-detect-parkinsons-disease-before-symptoms-emerge