Innovative Blood Test Using Metabolite Analysis Promises Early COPD Detection for Population Screening

A groundbreaking advancement in respiratory health screening offers the potential to identify Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) early through blood metabolite analysis. A multi-center research initiative involving top hospitals across Spain, coordinated by Hospital del Mar and its research institute, has revealed significant metabolic differences in individuals with COPD. By examining specific blood metabolites, researchers have found markers that could enable health professionals to detect high-risk individuals before symptoms fully develop.

The study, which included 91 COPD patients and an equal number of healthy controls, utilized mass spectrometry to analyze blood samples for metabolites. Out of over 360 molecules identified, approximately 50 were singled out as most relevant. Using artificial intelligence, the team identified ten key metabolites that, when combined, demonstrated over 90% accuracy in distinguishing COPD sufferers from healthy individuals. These metabolites are linked to energy production and lipid metabolism, providing insight into some of the disease’s systemic effects such as fatigue and cardiovascular issues.

This innovative approach could transform COPD screening by allowing a simple blood test to pre-identify those at high risk, leading to early intervention and better disease management. Currently, a substantial 70% of COPD cases remain undiagnosed due to the challenges of widespread spirometry testing, which is complex to perform on a large scale. Implementing a metabolite-based blood test would eliminate many of these barriers, enabling routine screening in primary care settings.

Dr. Joaquim Gea, Emeritus Head of the Pulmonology Service at Hospital del Mar, emphasizes that such biomarkers could serve as a first step in the detection process, with confirmatory spirometry reserved for those identified at risk. The high sensitivity and specificity of these markers promise to improve early diagnosis, ultimately reducing disease progression and associated comorbidities.

The next phase involves validating these findings in larger, more diverse populations, which could pave the way for their integration into clinical practice. As research progresses, this metabolite analysis stands to significantly enhance COPD detection, promoting earlier treatment and improved patient outcomes.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-population-screen-copd-metabolite-analysis.html