1. Discuss the test with your psychiatrist
Your psychiatrist assesses suitability and completes the required prescription documentation.
EDIT-B® provides additional biological information to help your psychiatrist distinguish unipolar depression from bipolar disorder. Available through Unilabs in Switzerland, it complements the clinical assessment of adults currently receiving treatment for a moderate to severe depressive episode.
Available on prescription from a psychiatrist. The test supports clinical assessment; it does not provide a standalone diagnosis.
Why can the distinction be difficult?
Depressive episodes can occur in both unipolar depression and bipolar disorder. Similar symptoms can make the distinction challenging, particularly when previous periods of unusually elevated mood or increased activity have not been identified.
Your psychiatrist considers your symptoms, medical history and clinical assessments to establish a diagnosis. EDIT-B® adds biological information to support this process.
What is EDIT-B®?
EDIT-B® is an in vitro diagnostic blood test developed by ALCEDIAG. It analyses specific RNA-editing patterns in blood using sequencing technology and an algorithm developed with artificial intelligence.
The analysis combines these patterns with relevant patient information, including age, sex, current medication and substance use. The result provides an additional element for your psychiatrist to consider alongside the clinical assessment.
Who is the test for?
EDIT-B® is intended for adults aged 18 or over who are experiencing a moderate to severe major depressive episode and are receiving treatment at the time of testing.
Your psychiatrist will assess whether the test is appropriate for you. It is not intended for people under 18, people with manic symptoms or self-diagnosis. Its use has not been validated in pregnant women.
How does the test work?
2. Arrange your blood test
Contact Unilabs to confirm the appropriate collection location and what you need to bring.
3. Your sample is analysed
RNA sequencing and the EDIT-B® algorithm are used to analyse the sample and relevant clinical information.
4. Review the result with your psychiatrist
The report is sent to the prescribing psychiatrist, who explains what it means within your overall clinical assessment and discusses the next steps.
In an independent Swiss validation cohort of 94 patients, EDIT-B® demonstrated
Clinical performance
- 85.7% sensitivity: the proportion of patients with bipolar disorder correctly identified by the test. - 81.8% specificity: the proportion of patients with unipolar depression correctly identified by the test.
Yes. The Swiss pathway described in the local product materials requires a prescription from a psychiatrist.
Fasting is not required for EDIT-B® itself. Follow the collection centre's instructions if other tests are being performed at the same appointment.
Swiss product information indicates results from four weeks after the blood draw. Unilabs can confirm the current expected turnaround time when you arrange the test.
No. A bipolar profile does not by itself confirm bipolar disorder, and a unipolar profile does not exclude it. Your psychiatrist interprets the result together with the other clinical findings.
Contact Unilabs before the blood draw to confirm the current price and reimbursement arrangements.
Information for healthcare professionals
For prescription documentation, patient eligibility, sample collection requirements and current turnaround times, please contact Unilabs.
EDIT-B® complements established diagnostic methods and clinical assessment. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for use before prescribing.