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New blood test may improve schizophrenia diagnosis

Researchers from the University of Maryland recently published findings on a blood test they developed that may improve diagnosis of schizophrenia and other disorders.

“We hope our new technique will allow a more rapid detection and intervention for schizophrenia, and ultimately lead to better outcomes,” study researcher Gregory Payne, PhD, of the University of Maryland, said in a press release.

Based on the concept that chemical biomarkers of oxidative stress can be found in blood and measured by electrochemical instruments, researchers used iridium salt to probe blood serum samples for optical and electrochemical signals of oxidative stress among 10 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and healthy controls.

This method correctly identified individuals with schizophrenia and those with no history of the disorder, according to researchers.

“Much emerging data suggests that schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders may be due, in part, to inflammation and oxidative stress abnormalities. Current methods for measuring these potential biomarkers are not standardized and have many flaws,” study researcher Deanna L. Kelly, PharmD, of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, said in the release. “Our team is excited to work with our collaborators at the University of Maryland to help develop a technique that can more globally measure these outcomes. Being able to have a subjective marker for clinical response or aid in more prompt diagnosis could be revolutionary.”

Disclosure: Please see the study for a full list of relevant financial disclosures.