A Blood Test That Detects Your Risk for Alzheimer's
If you've noticed memory changes — in yourself or someone you love — this test measures a key Alzheimer's protein in your blood. Same science as a spinal tap or brain PET scan. Just a blood draw.
Current Price
One-time test fee. Results reviewed with you at your visit — not just emailed and forgotten.
Price
$349
Results in
5–7 business days
Draw at
Julep Health
What this test measures
- The level of p-tau217 in your blood — a protein linked to Alzheimer's-related changes in the brain
- How your result compares to the range associated with Alzheimer's-related brain changes
- Analyzed at a CLIA-certified national reference lab — one of the few facilities in the country that runs this test
Before your blood draw
- Stop biotin (vitamin B7) supplements at least 72 hours before collection — biotin can interfere with the result
- No fasting required — you can eat and drink normally
- The draw itself takes about 10 minutes
What this test can — and can't — tell you
When memory changes start, the traditional workup is slow and intimidating: neurology waitlists, MRIs, maybe a spinal tap. This test was developed to give patients and clinicians a meaningful early answer from a simple blood draw.
Research has shown that elevated p-tau217 in blood strongly tracks with amyloid plaques in the brain — one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. It also helps distinguish Alzheimer's from other conditions that cause similar symptoms, which matters because those conditions have different treatments and different trajectories.
A high result doesn't mean you have Alzheimer's. A low result doesn't mean you're completely clear. What it gives you is real biological data — something concrete to take into the conversation with your doctor, instead of just describing symptoms and waiting.
Consider this test if...
- You or a family member has noticed memory slips, word-finding problems, or confusion that feels different — and "let's watch it" isn't good enough
- Alzheimer's runs in your family and you want early, actionable information
- You're looking for a meaningful first step before committing to more invasive or expensive testing
- You want to walk into a neurology appointment with real data, not just a list of symptoms
Lab and collection details
- Patient preparation
- Stop biotin at least 72 hours before collection. No fasting required.
- Reference range
- <= 0.15 pg/mL (elevated values warrant further clinical evaluation)
- Specimen stability
- Room temperature: 5 days; refrigerated: 14 days; frozen: 28 days
- Regulatory note
- Validated under CLIA for clinical use. Not FDA-cleared or -approved.
- Laboratory
- CLIA-certified reference laboratory, San Juan Capistrano, CA
How it works
Start with a visit
We review your symptoms, history, and medications together — so if we order the test, it's actually the right call for your situation.
Simple blood draw
Stop biotin for 72 hours. Then come in for a standard draw — 10 minutes, no fasting, nothing invasive.
A real conversation about results
We walk through what your number means for you specifically — and map out what, if anything, comes next. You leave with clarity, not confusion.
Important notes
- This test is a biomarker — not a diagnosis. A result above the reference range does not confirm Alzheimer's disease, and a result below it does not rule it out.
- Sudden confusion, new weakness, speech difficulty, or severe headache are emergencies. Call 911 — don't schedule a lab test.
- Results should be interpreted alongside your symptoms, history, and examination. Neurology referral, imaging, or further testing may still be needed.
You deserve answers, not just reassurance.
Book a visit and we'll walk you through whether this test is right for your situation — and exactly what the result means.