Test that aims to rule out autism using a hair strand is now available

A test that identifies biomarkers associated with autism just became available in most states. It's meant to help rule out autism in children who have higher likelihoods of it.

A test designed to identify biomarkers associated with autism in infants and young children is now available to the public in most states. 

LinusBio, a New Jersey-based startup, on Thursday launched the test, called Clearstrand-ASD, which it says can help physicians rule out autism in children 1 to 36 months old. The test requires just a single strand of hair. 

The test cannot diagnose autism spectrum disorder, nor is it designed to be used on its own. Instead, it is meant to help physicians rule out autism in children who have higher likelihoods of it. That could be because a kid has a sibling with autism or has demonstrated behaviors associated with the disorder. 

Manish Arora, a co-founder of LinusBio and its CEO, said Clearstrand-ASD is the only biochemical test available to detect autism spectrum disorder in children younger than 18 months. He hopes it will make the process of ruling out autism more efficient and reduce the wait for those in most need of intervention or treatment. 

“The focus is really on early intervention,” Arora said. “The earlier you intervene, the better off children are.” 

https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/test-rule-out-autism-using-hair-strand-rcna190531

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