Clinical reporting following the quantification of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in Alzheimer's disease: An international overview

TLDR

CSF biomarker quantification for Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis varies widely across centers, leading to inconsistent interpretations and raising concerns about test commutability. The study aimed to identify and adopt consensus‑based, accurate and informative comments for interpreting CSF biomarkers in the context of AD diagnosis. Researchers collected descriptions of pre‑analytical protocols and sample reports from 40 worldwide centers. The consensus approach yielded harmonized reporting comments for CSF biomarker profiles, showing that while pre‑analytical procedures were largely similar, there was substantial heterogeneity in cutoff definitions and report comments, establishing the first worldwide harmonized reporting framework for AD diagnosis.

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The current practice of quantifying cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers as an aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) varies from center to center. For a same biochemical profile, interpretation and reporting of results may differ, which can lead to misunderstandings and raises questions about the commutability of tests. Methods We obtained a description of (pre‐)analytical protocols and sample reports from 40 centers worldwide. A consensus approach allowed us to propose harmonized comments corresponding to the different CSF biomarker profiles observed in patients. Results The (pre‐)analytical procedures were similar between centers. There was considerable heterogeneity in cutoff definitions and report comments. We therefore identified and selected by consensus the most accurate and informative comments regarding the interpretation of CSF biomarkers in the context of AD diagnosis. Discussion This is the first time that harmonized reports are proposed across worldwide specialized laboratories involved in the biochemical diagnosis of AD.