1 in 8 US women will develop breast cancer
50% of breast cancers are missed due to dense breast tissue
The Auria Test is the only breast cancer screening available for women under the age of 40
1/2 of American women miss their annual mammogram
Every 2 minutes a woman in the US is diagnosed with breast cancer

Introducing Auria At-Home Breast Screening

Imagine being able to take a simple test in the comfort of your own home to screen for breast cancer. That’s exactly what the Auria at-home breast screening offers – a convenient way to detect potential signs of breast cancer using something you might not have thought of before: tears.

Exploring Alternative Biofluids for Biomarker Discovery

Advances in breast cancer screening methods and changes in screening recommendations have led to a decrease in death rates from breast cancer. However, breast cancer remains the most common cancer diagnosis among women globally. Despite spending more on cancer screening, the United States has the lowest life expectancy among developed countries. While having a family history of breast cancer increases the risk, most cases are not linked to family history.
 
New factors like birth control use, hormone replacement therapy, breast tissue density, and obesity are also contributing to increased risk. Scientists are working on personalized risk-based screening approaches that consider an individual’s biology, circumstances, and lifestyle. They’re trying to find better ways to identify those at the highest risk for cancer.
 
In recent times, scientists have been focusing on discovering new markers for diseases using advanced technologies that study proteins, metabolites, and genes. These markers, known as biomarkers, help with early disease detection and personalized medicine. While blood is commonly used for this purpose, other body fluids like tears are gaining attention for their potential.

Why Biomarkers Matter

Biomarkers are crucial for spotting diseases early and tailoring treatments. Blood is often used for biomarker research, but it can be quite complex and samples need a lot of preparation. That’s why researchers are now getting curious about using biological fluids other than blood and urine for disease markers.

Tears: A Promising Alternative

Many proteins and genetic material found in blood are also present in tears. Tears could simplify biomarker discovery by offering a less invasive collection method.
Our study revealed that many proteins and miRNAs found in blood are also present in tears. This means tears could be a simpler and less invasive way to find biomarkers. Tear collection is easier and faster, and doesn’t need extensive preprocessing.
 
 
Using tears for biomarker research could revolutionize disease detection, making the process quicker and more convenient. Studying patients with diseases is the next step to understand tear biomarkers’ diagnostic potential. This research is just the beginning. Using tears could change the way we look for biomarkers, making the process quicker and more convenient.

What We Found

Many proteins and genetic material found in blood are also present in tears. Tears could simplify biomarker discovery by offering a less invasive collection method.

Our study revealed that many proteins and miRNAs found in blood are also present in tears. This means tears could be a simpler and less invasive way to find biomarkers. Tear collection is easier and faster, and doesn’t need extensive preprocessing.

Using tears for biomarker research could revolutionize disease detection, making the process quicker and more convenient. Studying patients with diseases is the next step to understanding tear biomarkers’ diagnostic potential. This research is just the beginning. Using tears could change the way we look for biomarkers, making the process quicker and more convenient.

Trust and Accuracy

The Auria test has been developed using a wealth of scientific research. It’s important to note that while this test shows promise, it’s not a definitive diagnosis. However, it can serve as a valuable first step in identifying potential risks. The sensitivity and specificity of the test – its ability to correctly identify those with and without breast cancer – have been carefully evaluated and refined through extensive studies.

Empowering Early Detection

The power of the Auria test lies in its ability to provide early indications of potential breast health concerns. By using tears as a non-invasive and accessible source of information, this test aims to empower individuals to take charge of their health and engage in proactive conversations with healthcare professionals.

Next Steps

If the Auria test suggests a potential concern, it’s essential to follow up with your healthcare provider. They can recommend further tests or screenings to confirm the results. Remember, the Auria test is designed to complement existing screening methods and enhance your breast health journey.

In Conclusion

The Auria at-home breast screening represents an exciting innovation in healthcare. By tapping into the valuable information contained in tears, it offers a convenient and potentially early way to identify breast health concerns. While no test is perfect, the Auria test takes a significant step towards making proactive breast health monitoring more accessible and user-friendly. It’s about putting the power of information into your hands, so you can prioritize your health with confidence.

FAQ

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The Auria test has a sensitivity of 92% for the detection of breast abnormalities which means our test will flag 92% of people who have a breast abnormality. The test has a specificity of 54% which means our test will identify people who don’t have an abnormality 54% of the time. Reminder that Auria is not detecting breast cancer and is not meant as a replacement for a screening mammogram but as a supplement taken prior to your yearly screening mammogram.
 
Auria® 54% specific. Auria® is designed to analyze two protein biomarkers present in tears which could be present due to the early inflammatory process in tumor formation. These markers are also elevated in association with benign masses. Similar to a screening mammogram, Auria® should not be used to differentiate between malignant and benign masses.
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Auria’s proprietary algorithm uses the concentrations of S100A8 and S100A9 determined from the tear sample, together with age, to produce the score.

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Namida Lab (developer of Auria®) has 3 ongoing clinical trials. The following are Namida’s current clinical trial numbers: NCT05268224-DB; NCT05223218; NCT04928014

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Genetic screening is used to identify mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and can be a great tool, particularly for women with a family history of breast cancer. However, genetic screening is expensive and these genes only account for 15-20% of all breast cancers. 89% of breast cancer occurs in women with no family history.

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It is also good to remember that half of all women experience false positives in mammograms after 10 years of screening. The study was published today in JAMA Network Open. The chance of a false positive result is higher among younger women and women with dense breasts. In addition, results from the Women’s Health Initiative showed women who took either type of MHT pills had higher breast density and more abnormal screening mammograms (not explained by the higher breast density) that required follow-up tests. Even worse, False-Negative results occur when mammograms appear normal even though breast cancer is present. Overall, screening mammograms miss about 20% of breast cancers that are present at the time of screening.
 
The moral of the story is that there is no one perfect tool for women to identify breast cancer and women deserve to access to all tools which include mammography, genetic screening (expensive and only accounts for 15-20% of all breast cancers– 89% of breast cancer in women has no family history), and proteomic technology with Auria (affordable and risk assess all).
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Auria is a lab-developed test (LDT) that has been validated in Namida Lab’s high-complexity Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) lab under the supervision of our Medical Director. An LDT is a test that is designed, developed, and performed within a single laboratory, regulated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), through the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA). Currently, the FDA exercises enforcement discretion over LDTs. Certification of the laboratory is required under CLIA to ensure the validity and quality of the test.

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Unfortunately, we have not been able to conduct a study looking at our markers for reoccurrence in breast cancer so without that data is difficult to say for sure. While we did have triple negative cases in our breast cancer clinical data set we used for validating the test in our CLIA lab that were all accurately classified, the overall number was quite small and they were newly diagnosed cases not under treatment. It’s very likely long-term treatment for metastatic breast cancer could impact the expression of our markers.

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Auria is a CLIA-certified validated laboratory-developed test and is overseen by CLIA. The American Association for Clinical Chemistry recommends that CLIA remain the primary mechanism for overseeing clinical laboratories. The Association supports modernizing the laboratory standard to ensure that it continues to meet the changing needs of the healthcare community. Revisions to the regulations should particularly address the laboratory inspection process, quality control recommendations, proficiency testing requirements, and the definition of what constitutes an LDT. Current CLIA requirements are as follows: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines an LDT as an “in vitro diagnostic test that is manufactured and used within a single laboratory” (1). CMS accepts this definition (2).
 
In addition, the agency considers any modification to an FDA-cleared or approved assay as the creation of a new test and therefore an LDT. All LDTs are classified as high-complexity tests, the most stringent category of testing under CLIA. Laboratories performing such testing must comply with rigorous quality control (QC), proficiency testing (PT), and personnel requirements and must demonstrate the test’s analytical validity. Although CLIA does not require clinical laboratories to establish clinical validity1, the major private sector accrediting organizations to which many laboratories conducting LDTs subscribe, such as the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and the Joint Commission, do require that laboratories document clinical validation.
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Yes, your kit does expire. Your kit will have a minimum expiration date of 6 months. The expiration date can be found on the label on the bottom of your Auria box. Any samples that are delivered to the lab after the expiration date will not be processed, and we are unable to provide a replacement kit.

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The breast health consultation provided with every test kit regardless of risk score, is with a breast health expert that is either a Nurse Practitioner or Registered Nurse.

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Your Auria consultation is an engaging, informative session with one of our Breast Health Specialists. They provide insights based on your unique health history, answer questions, and guide you toward optimal breast health outcomes. You will gain early access to expert insights that are usually offered post-diagnosis. Your consultation is personalized and focused on your unique needs. All consultations are included with the Auria test kit.

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Once your results are ready, you’ll be able to schedule a consultation with our Breast Health Specialists (BHS) through an email link or through your dashboard. At your scheduled appointment time, you will meet with a BHS via a Zoom link that is emailed to you. During the consultation, the BHS will review your results and the information you provided in your breast health survey and will guide you through potential next steps. You will understand the impact of modifiable risk factors on your breast health, and you will have an open session time for you to ask any lingering questions you may have.

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Your test results will provide you with a score and classification of low, medium, or high. A medium or high classification does not mean you have breast cancer, but rather the score produced from your sample could be elevated due to a breast abnormality.

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Auria determines the concentration of two proteins from your tear sample. These two proteins are part of the early inflammatory process and could be elevated due to malignancy but can also be elevated due to benign masses. These concentrations are used, together with age, in our proprietary algorithm to calculate your AURIA SCORE.

The AURIA SCALE was developed using the scores from over 1000 clinical samples. The classifications of low, medium, and high were developed based on retrospective clinical analysis of follow-up imaging. Early data suggests scores in the medium or high category are associated with increased molecular events in the host tissue and should be evaluated by follow-up imaging in a timely manner.

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The Auria score provides biological information regarding the level of inflammation in your breast tissue at the time of sample collection. Early data suggest a score in the High category indicates an elevated level of inflammation is occurring in your breast tissue.
 
It is recommended that an Auria® classification of High (>1.0) be clinically correlated with a structural examination of the breast tissue, such as mammography, within 3 months of receiving test results. Auria is a screening tool and is not specific for breast cancer but could be elevated due to a breast abnormality such as a benign mass, cyst, or calcifications.
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The Auria score provides biological information regarding the level of inflammation in your breast tissue at the time of sample collection. Early data suggest a score in the High category indicates an elevated level of inflammation is occurring in your breast tissue.
 
It is recommended that an Auria® classification of High (>1.0) be clinically correlated with a structural examination of the breast tissue, such as mammography, within 6 months of receiving test results. Auria is a screening tool and is not specific for breast cancer but could be elevated due to a breast abnormality such as a benign mass, cyst, or calcifications.
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The Auria score provides biological information regarding the level of inflammation in your breast tissue at the time of sample collection. It is recommended that an individual with an Auria® classification of Low (<0.1) continue with the recommended standard of care congruent with their age and risk level. Auria is a screening tool and is not specific for breast cancer but could be elevated due to a breast abnormality such as a benign mass, cyst, or calcifications. Auria is not intended to replace a screening mammogram.

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