Metropolis Healthcare, India’s second largest and the most respected pathology laboratory chain, announced the launch of an advanced blood-based test designed to support earlier detection and more informed clinical decisions in Alzheimer’s disease.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is defined by its unique neuropathologic findings; hence diagnosis is based on clinical context, neuroimaging findings, and presence of accurate biomarkers in the intended population by which AD staging is done. Alzheimer’s disease remains significantly underdiagnosed in its early stages, particularly among individuals over the age of 50, where cognitive decline is often overlooked or misattributed. While not all cases of memory loss progress to Alzheimer’s disease, some individuals may be at elevated risk over time. Identifying such individuals can enable timely lifestyle interventions, closer clinical monitoring, and improved disease management.
Metropolis’ newly introduced blood-based test enables minimally invasive screening through a simple blood sample, allowing clinicians to assess the likelihood of Alzheimer’s-related changes and guide next steps in care. This approach aligns with 2025 clinical practice recommendations from the Alzheimer’s Association, which support the use of blood-based biomarkers such as pTau217 and the β-amyloid 1–42 ratio in individuals with cognitive impairment. By identifying key disease-related markers, it provides a more convenient alternative to traditional diagnostic approaches such as PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing. Backed by strong clinical evidence, including diagnostic accuracy of over 90% and strong alignment with amyloid PET imaging, the test provides reliable risk assessment.
The test can be used as an initial step in the clinical evaluation process. Based on the results, doctors can determine whether more advanced tests, such as PET scans or CSF analysis, are required, enabling timely decisions and appropriate care.
Commenting on the launch, Surendran Chemmenkotil, Managing Director, Metropolis Healthcare said: “As India’s population ages, timely and accessible diagnostics for neurodegenerative diseases are becoming increasingly important. At Metropolis, we are expanding access to advanced testing that enables earlier evaluation and better clinical decisions. This test serves as a critical first step in the diagnostic pathway, helping identify patients who need further evaluation while reducing unnecessary procedures. It reflects our commitment to a more proactive and integrated approach to neurological care.”
Dr Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific and Innovation Officer, Metropolis Healthcare said: “In Alzheimer’s care, blood-based biomarkers can provide an additional layer of objective evidence for early-stage clinical decision making. A blood-based biomarker test with a sensitivity of 90 per cent or higher is recommended as a triaging tool, where a negative result can reliably rule out Alzheimer’s pathology. Highly sensitive and specific tests can be used as confirmatory tools, as opposed to more costly and invasive procedures like PET scans or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, provided testing is performed and interpreted by trained specialists. It is important to note that not all blood-based assays meet the rigorous standards set forth, hence ensuring optimum quality standards and test validation protocols is of utmost importance. The results should always be interpreted in the context of a comprehensive clinical evaluation.”
With this launch, Metropolis offers one of the most comprehensive Alzheimer’s diagnostic pathways in India, spanning early blood-based screening, confirmatory CSF testing, and genetic risk assessment, including APOE genotyping. This integrated approach enables clinicians to access a complete diagnostic pathway within a single network, supporting coordinated and efficient patient management.
It also enables more efficient use of healthcare resources and reduces avoidable diagnostic burden on patients and families. The test is available across the Metropolis network of laboratories in India, ensuring broad access to advanced diagnostics. With the added convenience of home sample collection and processing through NABL- and CAP-accredited laboratories, it combines accessibility with high standards of quality and reliability.
Globally, blood-based biomarker testing is emerging as a significant advancement in Alzheimer’s diagnostics. By introducing this capability at scale, Metropolis aims to support timely detection and improved patient outcomes. This launch reinforces Metropolis Healthcare’s commitment to advancing preventive and precision diagnostics, enabling more informed decisions around brain health.