A first test of its kind states that it can help discard autism in children of up to 1 month using a single hair thread, but not everyone is convinced that technology is ready for star schedule.
Linusbio, a biotechnology startup, launched the test known as Clearstrand-Asd this month, which made it available to 44 states.
The test analyzes a wire of hair using robotics and lasers to find a molecular firm associated with autism. He is able to help doctors rule out development disorder with a 92.5%precision, the company said.
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If the biomarker is not found, «it is unlikely that the child has autism,» Linusbio said. But if detected, the company indicates that the child may need an additional evaluation of a professional.
The new offer is aimed at children from 1 to 36 months who have a higher risk of autism, which means that they were born prematurely, they have a brother in the spectrum or have shown characteristics of the disability of development, according to Linusbio. The doctor must order the test, but the company will also connect families with a Telesalud supplier so they can request a kit from home.
The company indicates that Clearstrand-Asd, which costs $ 2,750, is not intended to be an independent test and doctors should consider the results in context with other factors.
«Today’s families often support exhausting trips to ensure a diagnosis for their child, and this is what our goal is to change,» said Manish Arora, CEO and founder of Linusbio. «Caregivers now have access to an objective autism biomarker test that, in collaboration with their medical care providers, can help them plan the next steps for their child before ever.»
Despite his promise, however, Clearstrand-Asd has not been approved by the Food and Medicines Administration and Andy Shih, director of Autism Speaks Sciences, said he is not yet ready to recommend it.
«While science behind Clearstrand-Asd has the potential to be a valuable resource, more research is needed before the tool can reliably help our families answer questions about autism in their early stages,» said Shih. «Autism speaks supports interventions and evidence-based tools that have been carefully investigated in the detection of autism and, therefore, plans to investigate collaborations to facilitate additional studies on Clearstrand-Asd technology and increase access by members of our community.»
