Scientists from CSIRO and Edith Cowan University have announced a new diagnostic blood test for Alzheimer’s disease that could offer an accessible alternative to costly and invasive methods. The test combines two established biomarkers to detect key proteins linked to the disease, achieving an accuracy rate of 90%, comparable to scans and lumbar punctures.
The test works by measuring two types of proteins found in the blood. One is pTau217, a form of tau protein that builds up in the brain as Alzheimer’s progresses. The other is the Aβ42/40 ratio, which measures two forms of amyloid-beta that indicate the presence of amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s. Using both markers together improves reliability and cuts the number of unclear results by half compared to using one test alone.
The development is timely given the arrival of new disease-modifying treatments such as Donanemab and Lecanemab, which are most effective when started early. Current diagnostic methods like PET scans or lumbar punctures are expensive, take time, and require specialist equipment that many regional or remote patients cannot easily access. A cheaper and widely available blood test could help more people get an early diagnosis and start treatment sooner.
According to the release, the technology is moving through regulatory approval in Australia via the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), following similar approvals in the United States. Once approved, the plan is to integrate the test into specialist memory clinics and GP practices. A proposal has also been made for federal government funding to set up an Australian testing centre at the Florey Institute.
The researchers emphasise that the test is not meant for general population screening yet. It will be used mainly for people showing memory loss or cognitive symptoms as part of a specialist diagnostic pathway. Further research will aim to ensure the test works effectively across diverse populations and to refine how results are interpreted.
This announcement builds on ongoing Australian work to make Alzheimer’s diagnostics more accessible. Previous studies by Florey and other collaborators showed that blood-based biomarkers such as pTau217 can reach accuracy levels above 90% in research settings. Similar tests overseas have already been shown to outperform traditional diagnostic methods in some cases.
For patients, carers and the wider health system, the benefits could be substantial. Earlier diagnosis means earlier access to treatment, better planning for care, and less strain on specialist services. For rural and regional Australians, being able to get tested through a GP could make all the difference.
Some questions remain about cost and access. Even if the test gains approval, it will need Medicare support to make it affordable. Rollout will require training for clinicians and integration with existing diagnostic systems. Its impact on health costs, waiting times and patient outcomes will need close monitoring.
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