Plasma α-Synuclein
Highly sensitive detection of misfolded α-synuclein for synucleinopathy diagnosis
Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) is a protein that misfolds and aggregates in synucleinopathies — a group of brain diseases that includes Parkinson's disease, Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB), and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). The α-syn seed amplification assay (SAA) detects tiny amounts of misfolded protein seeds in blood or CSF using a highly sensitive amplification technique, similar to how PCR amplifies DNA.
Differential diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies (DLB, MSA) from Alzheimer's disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and other parkinsonian syndromes. Biomarker confirmation in specialist movement disorder and memory clinics. Research studies and clinical trial enrolment for synucleinopathy.
Not for general population screening. Not a standalone clinical diagnostic — results require specialist (neurologist/movement disorder specialist) interpretation. Sensitivity in early prodromal disease is still under validation.
α-Synuclein
2ml Saliva Sample in Oragene saliva collection kit, 4ml Whole Blood in EDTA
Transfer to 4°C for immediate storage and arrange shipment to Codex Genetics Laboratory (within 6 hours)
Available through Codex Genetics. Please contact us for collection requirements and referral guidance.
Samples must be collected and submitted by a licensed healthcare professional.
- Store samples at 4°C (refrigerator) for up to 6 hours after collection.
- Samples must be ready for pick-up by 15:00 on weekdays.
- Pick-up service is not available on public holidays.
- Contact Codex Genetics to arrange pick-up: Tel +852 3008 2560 / WhatsApp +852 9837 1345. Address: Unit 220, 2/F, Building 16W, HKSTP, Pak Shek Kok, NT, Hong Kong.
Reported as ng/ml. Elevated plasma total α-synuclein levels, which may suggest increased risk or presence of neurodegenerative processes.
A positive α-synuclein SAA result is strongly consistent with a synucleinopathy (Parkinson's disease, DLB, or MSA). A negative result argues strongly against synucleinopathy and should redirect diagnostic workup. Results must be interpreted alongside clinical features by a movement disorder specialist or neurologist.
α-Synuclein SAA has shown extraordinary sensitivity and specificity for synucleinopathies in landmark studies (PPMI cohort: sensitivity 87.7%, specificity 96.5% for Parkinson's disease; Soto et al., Lancet Neurology, 2023). The assay distinguishes synucleinopathies from other neurodegenerative diseases with high accuracy, filling a major gap in the differential diagnosis of parkinsonism and dementia. Current guidelines from the International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society (IPMDS) recognise SAA as a validated supportive biomarker for PD diagnosis.
Hong Kong-based molecular diagnostics laboratory specialising in clinical genomics, precision oncology, and rare disease diagnosis. Accredited to ISO 27001 and GenQA standards.
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