Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test?
A: The ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test is a clinically validated, multi-gene test that provides a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the likelihood of spinal curve progression for patients who have been diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test is leading the way to individualized scoliosis treatment by providing valuable, patient-specific information used to assist healthcare providers in optimizing treatment plans.
How does the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test work?
A: DNA, part of the makeup of your cells, is extracted from a saliva sample and then analyzed to determine the level of activity or expression of a panel of genetic markers. The results of the analysis are then put into a mathematical equation to convert those measures into the Curve Progression Score™ result. This result corresponds to the likelihood of mild, moderate, or severe curves among adolescence between the ages of 9–13 years.
When should the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test be used?
A: The ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test is appropriate for adolescence between the ages of 9–13 years who have recently been diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. The ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test is performed on a saliva sample obtained in a physician's office. It is important to request this test prior to beginning any Scoliosis treatment options, since the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test can help determine the most appropriate treatment for each individual patient.
Currently the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test is only for patients diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS). If you were diagnosed with Scoliosis several years ago, and do not know the type of Scoliosis you have been diagnosed with, check with your doctor and request a copy of your medical history.
What are the benefits of the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test?
A: The ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test provides a Curve Progression Score™ result that assigns a numerical value to the likelihood of a scoliotic curve progression. This result corresponds to the likelihood of mild, moderate, or severe curves — among adolescence between the ages of 9–13 years. The test report delivers information for both doctors and patients with AIS that may improve their confidence that treatment planning will be based on an understanding of each individual patient's disease characteristics.
Is the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test right for me?
A: If you or your child has recently been diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis and have not yet begun a treatment regimen, the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test may be appropriate for you. However, the decision to use the test is one that you and your doctor should discuss and make together.
Can the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test be used for other types of Scoliosis?
A: The ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test is intended only for patients who have been diagnosed with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. It is not intended for patients who have been diagnosed with Congenital, Infantile, Juvenile, or Adult Scoliosis. It is a non-invasive test that is performed on a small amount of saliva that is collected during a physicians' office visit. This means that you will not need to have blood drawn for the test results.
How do I get the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test?
A: The ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test can only be ordered by an authorized healthcare professional, typically an Orthopedic Surgeon.
Click here to search for physicians by state who are currently utilizing the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test.
How long will it take to get the results of the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test?
A: It will typically take 2–3 weeks from the date the DNA sample is received by Axial Biotech for the results to be available. The ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test report form is sent directly to the physician treating you.
What are the results of the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test?
A: The ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test provides a Curve Progression Score™ result that assigns a numerical value to the likelihood of a scoliotic curve progression. This result corresponds to the likelihood of mild, moderate, or severe curves among adolescents between the ages of 9–13 years.
This test adds information beyond traditional diagnostic factors such as Age, Gender, Menarche, Cobb Angle, and Risser Score.
It is important to note that a low Curve Progression Score™ result does not mean that there is no chance that an adolescent will have some curve progression. Instead, the Curve Progression Score™ provides information about the likelihood of curve progression — it cannot determine with 100% certainty that there will be no curve progression.
Will the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test results tell my doctor which treatment to use?
A: The results of ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test can help your physician understand how likely you are to benefit from different treatment options used to treat (AIS), but the test will not specifically identify which treatments to use. The results of the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test should be used with other diagnostic information to help you and your physician determine which treatment option is best for you.
What type of sample is needed to perform the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test?
A: The ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test process is performed using a very small sample of DNA collected from a saliva sample during a physicians' office visit. This means that you will not need to have blood drawn for the test results. The DNA from the saliva sample will be sent directly to Axial Biotech for analysis.
How is the sample submitted for the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test analysis?
A: Your physician or nurse will collect the saliva sample during a physician's office visit. The physician or nurse will use a special kit to submit the saliva sample to the Axial Biotech Laboratory for analysis.
Where can I learn more about my treatment?
A: To learn more about the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test, talk to your healthcare professional and care team. Click here to search for physicians by state who are currently utilizing the ScoliScore™ AIS Prognostic Test.
Download a pdf version of the Frequently Asked Questions.
