New blood test may detect autism
Syracuse (WSYR-TV/CNN) - A new experimental blood-based test may detect autism, based on gene expression differences.
In a study published in the journal PLOS ONE, researchers from Children's Hospital Boston describe the new test.
It involves testing blood samples for certain genetic markers.
The test appears to predict autism relatively accurately – about 70 percent – among boys. And it's already been licensed to a company for commercial development.
The company says it plans to start clinical trials of the test in early 2013.
One in 88 kids suffers from an autism spectrum disorder.
It's become more common over the last 30 years, but it's unclear why.
Earlier detection could help more children take advantage of helpful behavioral therapies.
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