p-tau217 is a form of the tau protein that’s phosphorylated at threonine 217. Rising levels in blood (plasma) or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) reflect Alzheimer’s-type biology—in particular, the presence of amyloid plaques and tau changes in the brain. In head-to-head research, p-tau217 generally performs as well as or better than older phospho-tau markers (e.g., p-tau181) for identifying AD-type pathology.
Why it matters
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Earlier, less-invasive insight: A blood test can help flag Alzheimer’s-consistent changes before or alongside imaging/CSF studies.
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Better triage in memory workups: Results help determine who should proceed to confirmatory testing (e.g., amyloid PET, CSF biomarkers).
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Clearer differential diagnosis: Elevated p-tau217 favors Alzheimer’s disease (AD) over many non-AD dementias when the clinical picture is mixed.
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Therapy decisions: As disease-modifying treatments evolve, p-tau217 (often alongside Aβ42) supports eligibility decisions and baseline characterization.
When this test is useful
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New or progressive memory and thinking changes under evaluation
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Atypical presentations where AD vs. non-AD dementia is unclear
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Establishing baseline biology prior to therapy discussions
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Reducing the need for PET or lumbar puncture when pre-test probability is moderate to high
How to interpret your result
Always use the reference range and cutoffs on your own lab report. Assays and platforms are not interchangeable.
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High p-tau217 (or high p-tau217/Aβ42 ratio): Increases the likelihood of AD-type amyloid/tau pathology. Your clinician may recommend confirmatory testing (amyloid PET or CSF) if results would change management.
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Low p-tau217 (or low ratio): Makes AD-type pathology less likely at the time of testing. Your clinician may explore alternative causes of symptoms.
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Borderline/indeterminate: Some labs use two cutoffs (“rule-in” / “rule-out”) with a gray zone. Borderline results often prompt repeat testing or confirmatory studies based on clinical judgment.
What can influence the number?
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Assay & platform: Methods differ (immunoassay vs. mass spec), and cutoffs are assay-specific.
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Clinical context: Acute illness, kidney/liver disease, or mixed neurodegenerative processes can complicate interpretation.
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Preanalytical factors: Follow your lab’s guidance on collection and handling.
Related biomarkers often ordered together
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Aβ42 (± Aβ40) and the p-tau217/Aβ42 ratio (improves discrimination)
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p-tau181, p-tau231 (additional phospho-tau markers)
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NfL (neurofilament light) (general neurodegeneration marker; not AD-specific)
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Total tau, Aβ42/40 ratio, basic labs and imaging as clinically indicated
Limitations & caveats
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Not a diagnosis by itself. p-tau217 indicates likelihood of AD-type pathology and must be interpreted with history, exam, cognitive testing, and—when needed—PET or CSF results.
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Population/setting matter. Performance is strongest in symptomatic adults evaluated in specialty settings; routine screening of people without symptoms isn’t established.
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Gray-zone results happen. A minority of tests are indeterminate and require follow-up.
FAQs
Is there a “normal range” for p-tau217?
Ranges and cutoffs are lab- and assay-specific. Always rely on the interval printed on your report rather than a generic value from another source.
How does p-tau217 compare with p-tau181?
Both track AD biology, but p-tau217 often shows higher diagnostic accuracy. Many centers now prefer p-tau217 when available.
Do I still need an amyloid PET or lumbar puncture?
Sometimes. p-tau217 can rule in or rule out AD-type pathology for many patients, but confirmatory testing may still be recommended when results are borderline, conflicting, or when confirmation would alter treatment.
What to do next
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Review your report’s reference interval/cutoff. Note the assay name if listed.
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Put your number in context. Combine p-tau217 with symptoms, cognitive testing, and other labs (Aβ42, p-tau217/Aβ42 ratio, NfL).
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Discuss follow-up. Ask your clinician whether results justify repeat testing, amyloid PET, or CSF biomarkers.
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Track over time. Re-testing may be useful if symptoms evolve or if initial results were borderline.
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