"Researchers today unveiled results from a new blood test to help identify which patients are at an elevated risk of Alzheimers disease. The findings presented at the th AACC Annual Scientific Meeting  Clinical Lab Expo in Philadelphia showed that the biochip test which allows multiple tests to be run on one blood sample was as accurate as existing molecular tests that analyze DNA. This is the first time that we have used this biochip technology to test for an increased risk of Alzheimers disease said Emma C. Harte PhD a research scientist at Randox Laboratories. This type of testing is important in our quest to understand and diagnose Alzheimers and empower patients to understand risks consider medication and even make early lifestyle changes.  This test detects the presence of a protein in the blood produced by a specific variation of the apolipoprotein gene ApoE which is associated with increased risk of developing Alzheimers disease. The apolipoprotein gene is inherited from each parent and when a patient inherits the ApoE variant from one parent they have a three times greater risk of developing Alzheimers disease whereas a patient who inherits ApoE from both parents is eightto times more likely to develop the disease.  To verify the accuracy of the biochip test  samples were analyzed and results compared to those from a standard molecular diagnostic test. Researchers from Randox Laboratories collaborated with research colleagues at the Medical University of Vienna and found that results from the two tests were in  agreement. As biochip tests allow clinicians and researchers to quickly run multiple tests on one sample of blood this new test is also faster and more affordable than the standard DNA test producing results in only three hours. This enables doctors to predict the risk of an individual developing Alzheimers disease. Pairing this test with medical and family history for risk of Alzheimers disease has the real potential to advance personalized medicine said Harte. This fast accurate testing will allow doctors and patients to make more informed choices earlier to potentially slow the possible progress of Alzheimers. In addition to this study researchers will present the latest in Alzheimers disease at the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting  Clinical Lab Expo including   New research explores using the level of angiotensinconverting enzyme ACE in the brain and spinal cord as a biomarker for neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinsons disease and AD. Cerebrospinal Fluid AngiotensinConverting Enzyme Activity Levels of Patients With Alzheimers and Parkinsons Disease http A   Researchers have shown that a specific protein in blood plasma could serve as a biomarker for early detection of AD. Plasma neuron derived exosomal protein biomarkers in the diagnosis of Alzheimers Disease http A   A new metaanalysis of studies over  year suggests that a possible relationship between thyroid function and an increased risk of dementia. Higher FT or TSH Below the Normal Range are Associated with an Increased Risk of Dementia a Metaanalysis of  Studies http A Session Information  Registration for the AACC Annual Scientific Meeting is free for members of the media. Reporters can register online here https  Scientific Poster B Development of a New Biochip Array for ApoE Classification from Plasma Samples Using Immunoassay Based Methods http  Wednesday August   a.m.   p.m. presenting author in attendance from  p.m. Scientific Posters A A A and A Tuesday August   a.m.   p.m. presenting author in attendance from  p.m. All scientific posters will be on display in the Terrace Ballroom at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.  About the th AACC Annual Scientific Meeting  Clinical Lab Expo The AACC Annual Scientific Meeting offers  days packed with opportunities to learn about exciting science from July August . Plenary sessions feature the latest research on the use of and testing for cannabis combating premature death due to preventable causes such as tobacco and alcohol the development of an intelligent surgical knife programmable bionanochips and the epigenetic causes of disease. At the AACC Clinical Lab Expo more than  exhibitors will fill the show floor of Philadelphias Pennsylvania Convention Center with displays of the latest diagnostic technology including but not limited to mobile health molecular diagnostics mass spectrometry pointofcare and automation.  About AACC Dedicated to achieving better health through laboratory medicine AACC brings together more than  clinical laboratory professionals physicians research scientists and business leaders from around the world focused on clinical chemistry molecular diagnostics mass spectrometry translational medicine lab management and other areas of progressing laboratory science. Since  AACC has worked to advance the common interests of the field providing programs that advance scientific collaboration knowledge expertise and innovation. For more information visit  http"