An important study by researchers at University College London has shown that a simple, finger-prick blood sample can reliably measure a key biomarker in people with motor neuron disease (MND) and other neurological disorders. This advance could pave the way for more convenient, frequent testing outside of clinical settings.
Neurofilament light (NfL) is a protein released into the bloodstream when nerve cells are damaged, and its levels rise in MND and other neurodegenerative conditions. Until now, measuring it has required venous blood draws, a process that can be burdensome, especially for those with limited mobility.
What the study did
These conditions, which affect millions of people worldwide, are characterized by the progressive degeneration of nerve cells, leading to a range of symptoms including muscle weakness, tremors, and cognitive decline.
Key findings
- NfL measurements from finger-prick (capillary) samples closely matched those from venous serum/plasma across diseases and healthy individuals.
- Only NfL remained stable after a seven-day delay, highlighting its suitability for taking blood samples remotely.
- Using finger-prick samples, researchers successfully replicated disease-specific differences, demonstrating that people with MND and other neurological conditions had elevated NfL levels compared to controls.
Why this could be transformative
This testing method allows patients to collect samples at home and mail them in without refrigeration or clinic visits. It enables more frequent monitoring, reaches those in remote areas, and offers a patient-friendly alternative to venous blood draws, all while maintaining the same high level of accuracy.
The findings of this study strongly support the wider use of remote NfL testing in both clinical research and everyday care. As NfL becomes more integrated into diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment trials, this method could significantly improve patient experience, helping to overcome barriers to participation and enhancing the overall quality of care.
The complete study, published in the Journal of Neurology, is available here.
UK MND Research Institute contributed to the recruitment of the ALS patients in this study.
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