Abbott has introduced its portable whole blood test for assessing mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), such as concussions, in the UK. This innovative test allows healthcare professionals to quickly evaluate patients suspected of having a concussion, providing results within just 15 minutes.
Traditionally, concussion assessments have relied on subjective clinical evaluations or laboratory tests requiring blood plasma or serum, which necessitate sample processing in a lab. Abbott’s i-STAT Alinity system changes this by using venous whole blood samples directly, making testing possible at the patient’s bedside.
The test is suitable for patients aged 18 and above and can be used within 24 hours of injury. It measures two brain-specific biomarkers released into the bloodstream following a traumatic brain injury, helping clinicians determine whether a CT scan is necessary. By expanding access to rapid and objective concussion testing beyond hospital emergency departments, Abbott’s innovation could transform patient care.
Dr. Beth McQuiston, Abbott’s medical director for diagnostics, emphasized the significance of this development, noting that while blood tests are widely used to assess other conditions, brain injuries have lacked a similar tool. «Now, we have a whole blood test that can help assess the brain right at the patient’s bedside,» McQuiston stated, highlighting the test’s potential to revolutionize concussion evaluations.
The UK-based East Anglian Air Ambulance is currently evaluating the test in a 12-month study. Dr. James Price, a consultant emergency physician with the service, explained that real-time biomarker measurement at the scene of an accident could help ensure patients are taken to the most appropriate hospital for their needs.
Developed in collaboration with the US Department of Defense, Abbott’s test addresses a pressing medical need. With approximately 900,000 head injury-related emergency visits and 160,000 hospital admissions in the UK each year, this rapid, portable diagnostic tool could significantly enhance concussion management and patient outcomes.
Article written by Ross law
19/03/2025
Source:
Medical Device Network