Scientists in the United States have developed a rapid blood test based on microRNA that can diagnose amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in its early stage with up to 97% accuracy using just a single blood draw, while effectively ruling out non-affected individuals. The findings were published in the latest issue of the journal Molecular Neurobiology.

ALS, commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease” or motor neuron disease (MND), is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that gradually damages motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and even paralysis. Due to its unknown cause and atypical early symptoms, more than 60% of patients experience misdiagnosis, and it often takes over a year from symptom onset to receive a definitive diagnosis.

This study analyzed 788 blood samples, including 393 from ALS patients and 395 from healthy controls. The test relies on microRNAs—short genetic sequences that regulate protein synthesis—whose expression patterns offer a new avenue for early diagnosis. Notably, about 90% of ALS cases are sporadic (without a family history), and current clinical methods struggle to identify these cases early. The rapid blood test developed by the Brain Chemistry Laboratories in Wyoming is equally effective for both familial and sporadic ALS, with comparable accuracy.

The research team emphasized that ALS patients typically face life-threatening risks within 2 to 5 years after symptom onset, and delayed diagnosis severely compromises treatment opportunities. If widely adopted, this test could enable earlier intervention and secure a critical therapeutic window for patients.

Scientists in the United States have developed a rapid blood test based on microRNA that can diagnose amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in its early stage with up to 97% accuracy using just a single blood draw, while effectively ruling out non-affected individuals. The findings were published in the latest issue of the journal Molecular Neurobiology.

ALS, commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease” or motor neuron disease (MND), is a chronic, progressive neurological disorder that gradually damages motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, atrophy, and even paralysis. Due to its unknown cause and atypical early symptoms, more than 60% of patients experience misdiagnosis, and it often takes over a year from symptom onset to receive a definitive diagnosis.

This study analyzed 788 blood samples, including 393 from ALS patients and 395 from healthy controls. The test relies on microRNAs—short genetic sequences that regulate protein synthesis—whose expression patterns offer a new avenue for early diagnosis. Notably, about 90% of ALS cases are sporadic (without a family history), and current clinical methods struggle to identify these cases early. The rapid blood test developed by the Brain Chemistry Laboratories in Wyoming is equally effective for both familial and sporadic ALS, with comparable accuracy.

The research team emphasized that ALS patients typically face life-threatening risks within 2 to 5 years after symptom onset, and delayed diagnosis severely compromises treatment opportunities. If widely adopted, this test could enable earlier intervention and secure a critical therapeutic window for patients.