The function can be used by patients who are participating in the Nf-L ALS study and APST at the same time. Parallel participation in APST is necessary for the notification of results, as the ALS app is not a formal part of the “Nf-L in ALS” study.
How are the Nf-L analysis results presented?
The Nf-L analysis results are displayed in a diagram in the APST portal and in the ALS app. In the ALS app, the Nf-L diagram can be found on the “History” page – below the ALSFRS history diagram. The Nf-L analysis is not carried out continuously as in a “routine laboratory”, but as part of a scientific project. For this purpose, samples from different ALS centers are collected (“pooling”) and thus analyzed with a delay. Once the analysis and data processing have been completed, the data for those patients for whom a declaration of consent for APST is available is displayed in the ALS app.
What should I bear in mind when reporting NF-L results?
For patients participating in the ALS-Nf-L study, expert medical interpretation of the findings is essential due to the open research questions. Various medical factors must be taken into account. The Nf-L value is therefore assessed in personal doctor-patient contact at an Nf-L study center.
Nf-L progression diagram
The Nf-L diagram in the ALS app. The normal range of Nf-L serum concentrations is shown in color (light blue). The steps in the normal range result from the age-dependent increase in Nf-L serum concentrations. The level of the Nf-L serum concentration (in picograms per milliliter, pg/mL) can be read off the left-hand scale
Nf-L can also be detected at lower concentrations in healthy people. However, the Nf-L value increases in the course of life – even in healthy people. The normal range of Nf-L serum concentrations is described in the info text behind the ?-symbol.