Researchers find a new simple hair strand test that shows promise of early ALS diagnosis

A single strand of hair may soon help detect amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) earlier than ever, offering hope for faster interventions and better patient care. (Image: Canva)

Imagine a situation where amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) could be diagnosed by looking at a hair sample. This future might be closer than we realize. Recent studies suggest that there may soon be a way to detect ALS symptoms earlier than is currently possible through novel non-invasive techniques, which could aid greatly in providing timelier treatment interventions to improve patient outcomes.

Understanding the Challenges in Diagnosing ALS

ALS is a progressive, complex neurodegenerative disorder which leads to muscle atrophy, causing the affected person difficulty in speech, the ability to walk, the act of swallowing, and even breathing. Unfortunately, even in the most serious cases, it is a condition that is rarely diagnosed in a timely manner. Current protocols use a combination of neuroimaging, a neurologic assessment, and in some cases far more dreadful methods like a spinal tap.

Research indicates that this could result in a time lag to accurate diagnosis of anywhere between ten to sixteen months. That delay costs precious time when early intervention and support could make a significant difference to quality of life.

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The Hair Strand Test

Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have discovered that a single strand of hair may carry hidden biological clues about ALS. Using a technique called laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), they examined the elemental composition of hair at high resolution, mapping how trace elements such as copper, zinc, magnesium, and lead fluctuate along the hair’s growth timeline.

What the Research Found

The study recruited 391 participants; 295 had been diagnosed with ALS while the other 96 did not have the disease. Each participant’s hair sample provided hundreds of data points showing changes in various elements over a period of time. Results demonstrated ALS patients had unique disruptions in patterns diabetic patients in copper metabolism—shifts in patterns much more asynchronized than those of healthy individuals.

Furthermore, researchers noted some interesting changes with respect to sex. Males had weaker copper-zinc synchrony, while females had altered chromium-nickel relationships. These discoveries suggest the possibility of highly personalized diagnostic markers.

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Why This Matters

Along the diagnostic interview, one of the most early and challenging aspects of ALS is its detection; however, a hair-based sample offers a new and practical approach. A hair-based sample is painless, inexpensive, and scalable and offers much greater accessibility than other invasive diagnostic tools. If this approach is supported with more evidence, doctors will be able to prescribe nutritional therapies, physical exercise routines, and appropriate symptom management strategies much earlier—thus improving days and potential survival.

Though this test represents other domains in research, it is a powerful concept in its own and proves how ALS diagnostic and management approaches should be revolutionized.