Diagnosing ALS

Next Gen.  Focused.  Credible.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can be a challenging disease to diagnose. Prior to the groundbreaking test developed by the researchers at Iron Horse Diagnostics, there was no single test used in diagnosing ALS. Instead, the diagnostic process is by ruling out other diseases that mimic ALS by using a combination of clinical exams and a series of tests. The current comprehensive clinical testing process may include the following procedures:

• Neurologic exam and nerve conduction study to determine nerve damage or muscular diseases.
• Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) tests to evaluate the electrical activity of your muscles.
• Spinal tap of the fluid surrounding the spinal cord to rule out other diseases.
• X-Rays, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to spot tumors, herniated disks or other conditions.
• Blood and urine studies including thyroid and parathyroid hormone levels, urine heavy metal tests, and high-resolution serum protein electrophoresis to eliminate other possible causes of symptoms.
• Muscle and nerve biopsy to determine if there is a muscle disease rather than ALS.

The Iron Horse Diagnostics ALS test now supports comprehensive clinical diagnosis with a rapid and reliable test. The biomarker-based test is the first in clinical use that can effectively provide an ALS diagnosis in a matter of days, rather than the many months to year-long timeframe necessary to rule out the many diseases that mimic ALS. Through blood or cerebrospinal fluid tests, Iron Horse Diagnostics’ test can provide the patient with reliable results to begin earlier treatment for greater longevity and quality of life.