Quest AD‑Detect®, Beta‑Amyloid 42/40 Ratio, Plasma
Also known as: ABeta 42, ABeta 40, AB40, AB42, Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
Use
This LC‑MS/MS assay measures beta‑amyloid 40 (AB‑40) as well as AB‑42 in plasma, rather than AB‑42 alone, permitting normalization of circulating beta‑amyloid levels across patients. Using the ratio of beta‑amyloid 42 to beta‑amyloid 40 improves sensitivity and specificity for detecting Alzheimer’s disease pathology. A low 42/40 ratio reflects selective depletion of beta‑amyloid 42 due to amyloid plaque deposition or cerebral amyloid angiopathy. A ratio below 0.160 indicates higher likelihood of amyloid PET positivity, with intermediate ranges correlating with graded probabilities (e.g., 0.169–0.160 corresponds to ~15% PET positivity; 0.159–0.150 corresponds to ~85%).
Special Instructions
Note: Test is not performed for individuals under age 18. Pre‑test and post‑test counseling is strongly recommended.
Limitations
Not provided.
Methodology
Mass Spectrometry
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
4-6 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1.2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Container
K2 EDTA (lavender‑top) tube; transfer to polypropylene tube
Collection Instructions
Collect blood into K2 EDTA plasma tube; mix by inversion 10 times; centrifuge to separate plasma within 1 hour; transfer plasma into polypropylene tube; store frozen
Storage Instructions
Store plasma frozen
Causes for Rejection
Moderate or gross hemolysis; specimen collected in glass, polystyrene, or polycarbonate tube
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Unacceptable |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 32 days (at ‑20 °C); 77 days (at ‑70 °C) |
