Introduction
Scientific Studies
The HairDX genetic test for pattern hair loss (Androgenetic Alopecia) is a screening test.
The objective of the HairDX screening test, is to identify Androgenetic Alopecia prior to the onset of symptoms, allowing diagnosis in an earlier or preclinical stage, so that treatment can be initiated at a time when intervention has a greater likelihood of success.
Studies have shown a high prevalence of Androgenetic Alopecia with increasing phenotypic expression based on advancing age, approximately 65% men and 50% of women will be affected by the age of 60.
Current diagnosis relies largely on the development of a hair loss pattern, and visible areas of thinning or baldness. In fact, it has been shown that visible thinning does not occur until there has been approximately 50% hair loss in a given area. Therefore, a paradigm that depends on the development of a hair loss pattern for diagnosis, insures that patients will have substantial hair loss prior to initiation of therapy. This fact becomes more important when taking into account the two FDA approved medication therapies to combat hair loss, minoxidil and finasteride, are most effective at stabilizing hair loss rather than hair re-growth. Neither therapy can re-populate lost hair follicles, and re-growth is limited to strengthening existing vellus hairs.
Therefore, a screening test for Androgenetic Alopecia which identifies patients at higher risk for Androgenetic Alopecia can offer the opportunity for early medical intervention prior to visible signs of hair loss, when stabilization is most cosmetically beneficial. This satisfies the criteria for a clinical situation where a screening test is useful.