The Power to Know Your True Diagnosis
Living with neurological symptoms can be challenging and confusing. You may have received a diagnosis based on your symptoms – or you may still be searching for answers. Either way, you deserve to know what's happening in your brain on a biological level.
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The Test That Sees What Symptoms Can't
Amprion's SAAmplify-aSYN test detects misfolded α-synuclein proteins—the biological hallmark of conditions like Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. Unlike traditional approaches that rely solely on observing symptoms, our test helps identify the actual biological changes occurring in your brain.
Why does this matter?
Because symptoms don't tell the whole story. Many neurological conditions share similar symptoms but have different underlying causes. Understanding the biology of your condition provides clarity where there was once uncertainty.
Beyond Symptoms to Biology
For decades, neurological conditions have been diagnosed primarily through observing symptoms and ruling out other possibilities. This approach often leads to "probable" or "possible" diagnoses that may change over time as new symptoms appear.
For the first time, The SAAmplify-ɑSYN test gives you the ability to detect the biological marker of synucleinopathies—a family of conditions including:
- Parkinson's disease
- Dementia with Lewy bodies
- Multiple system atrophy
- Atypical Alzheimer’s disease
When detected, the presence of pathological ɑ-synuclein provides needed clarity your doctor needs to make an accurate diagnosis.
Why You Need to Know
Recent research has shown that many patients have "mixed pathologies" – meaning more than one type of protein abnormality contributing to their symptoms. For example, many people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease also have ɑ-synuclein pathology.
Understanding all the biological factors contributing to your symptoms helps your doctor:
- Provide a more accurate diagnosis
- Better predict how your condition may progress
- Make more informed treatment decisions
- Avoid medications that could be harmful for your specific condition
Common Questions About the Test
Many insurance plans cover the SAAmplify-ɑSYN test when ordered by your doctor. Our client services team can help verify coverage prior to testing. Please ask your doctor to contact us for more information about coverage and reimbursement.
The test requires a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, which is collected through a procedure called a lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap). During this procedure, a small amount of fluid is drawn from the lower spine using a thin needle. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes and is performed by a trained medical professional. It is a routine procedure and is generally regarded as not painful.
A negative result means ɑ-synuclein pathology was not detected, which suggests your symptoms may be caused by other factors. This is valuable information that helps your doctor look for alternative explanations and avoid treatments that would not be beneficial.
A positive SAAmplify-ɑSYN test result means misfolded ɑ-synuclein proteins were detected in your cerebrospinal fluid. This confirms you have a synucleinopathy – a condition where these misfolded proteins are affecting your brain function. This information helps your doctor provide a more precise diagnosis and treatment plan.
Talking to Your Doctor
If you're experiencing neurological symptoms or have received a diagnosis of a movement disorder or cognitive impairment, you may want to discuss the SAAmplify-ɑSYN test with your doctor. Here are some questions to consider asking:
• Could ɑ-synuclein pathology be contributing to my symptoms?
• Would knowing about my ɑ-synuclein status change my diagnosis or treatment?
• Am I a candidate for the SAAmplify-ɑSYN test?
• What would a positive or negative result mean for my treatment choices and prognosis?
Download the SAAmplify-aSYN Test information and discussion guide.
Documents and Forms
Here are informative documents and forms for SAAmplify assays.
SAAmplify–αSYN (CSF) Test Information and Discussion Guide
Learn about why your doctor may request the test and what the results could mean for you.
SAAmplify–αSYN (CSF) Test Billing and Payment Information
Learn about insurance, billing, and payment options.
Advance Beneficiary Notice (Medicare Only)
Complete the digital Standard ABN form as requested by your doctor’s office.
Advance Beneficiary Notice (Medicare & Medicaid)
Complete the digital Dual Coverage ABN form as requested by your doctor’s office..
Educational Resources
Knowledge is a powerful tool in your healthcare journey. We’ve compiled a listing of trusted organizations that provide detailed educational information for patients who may be living with synucleinopathies.
Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia--by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America provides support, services, and education to individuals, families, and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and funds research for better treatment and a cure.
The American Parkinson Disease Association
The American Parkinson Disease Association provides the support, education, research, and community that helps everyone impacted by Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest.
Cure PSP
Cure PSP is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the awareness, care, and cure for three neurodegenerative diseases: progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and multiple system atrophy (MSA).
The Lewy Body Dementia Association
The Lewy Body Dementia Association's mission is to optimize the quality of life for those affected by LBD by accelerating awareness, advancing research for early diagnosis and improved care, and providing comprehensive education and compassionate support.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation
The Michael J. Fox Foundation's mission is to accelerate the next generation of Parkinson’s disease (PD) treatments.
Mission MSA
For over 30 years, Mission MSA (formerly The MSA Coalition) has been a leading resource on multiple system atrophy.
Parkinson´s Foundation
The Parkinson's Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by improving care and advancing research toward a cure.
Parkinson´s News Today
Parkinson's News Today is a digital platform intended to provide the Parkinson’s disease community with the most recent news and information on Parkinson’s, as well as first-hand community perspectives from our patient and caregiver columnists.