Trauma to the head, a quick test evaluates any injuries

A quick test to evaluate, through a blood sample, people who may have suffered a concussion after a head injury and therefore need more in-depth investigations and targeted and timely interventions. American Abbott announces that it has obtained the Ce mark for the ‘i-Stat Tbi Plasma Test’, “the first portable rapid plasma test for traumatic brain injury (TBI) – explains the company – that can help doctors evaluate people. with suspected mild head injury, including concussions. Testing can be performed on Abbott’s i-Stat * Alinity * handheld platform. Results are available approximately 15 minutes after placing the plasma sample into the device cartridge. ” Traumatic brain injuries and concussions – remember a note – are an alteration of brain function due to trauma to the head, caused by an external force. TBI-related injuries can have physical and psychological consequences, and are aggravated by misdiagnosis or lack of diagnosis. Abbott’s plasma test is therefore intended to provide healthcare professionals with an objective tool to help evaluate people suspected of having a brain injury. The test measures specific proteins found in the blood after a mild head injury. A negative result could rule out the need for a more in-depth instrumental investigation (computed tomography, CT), while in the case of a positive result the test can integrate the results of the tomography to help physicians in further evaluating patients. “The availability of this plasma test could help reduce ER wait times and the number of unnecessary scans by up to 40% – says Beth McQuiston, Abbott Diagnostics Medical Director – Hopefully, this could contribute to greater control in people who have undergone a head injury in order to allow the adoption of the most appropriate treatments “. The test requires taking a small blood sample from the arm, from which the plasma is extracted with a centrifuge and inserted into a cartridge, which in turn is inserted into the hand-held instrument. Abbott is also working on a whole blood test, which would eliminate the need for plasma separation and could be used directly at the patient’s bedside at the place of care. The group’s idea is to “develop a portable test that can be used outside the traditional care setting, ie in places where people suffer head injuries and need quick assessment, such as during sporting events. “. Immediacy and accuracy in diagnosing traumatic brain injuries are needed globally, the note highlights. It is estimated that around 69 million people worldwide suffer head trauma each year. An event following which they may experience impaired memory, coordination, senses (e.g. sight and hearing) and emotional function (e.g. personality changes, psychological symptoms). The effects of traumatic brain injuries can last from a few days after the injury to entire years, with life-changing symptoms. Additionally, people who experience a head injury are more likely to have another, similar to how a sprained ankle or torn ligament are more susceptible to future injury. “Reducing the time between injury and diagnosis is a critical factor in the treatment of head injuries”, hence the meaning of the new test.