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Blood Test for TBI on the Horizon
Researchers at the University of Florida’s McKnight Brain Institute recently found that soon we may be able to detect the severity of a brain injury by testing blood samples soon after the injury occurs.
The theory goes something like this: when a TBI occurs, the injured brain cells release a chemical, and by measuring that chemical’s level in the bloodstream, we may be able to get an idea of how extensive the damage may be:
“The NF-H protein can be detected with a widely used screening method called ELISA, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Shaw developed antibodies that react positively to the presence of NF-H. Now he wants to apply the assay method to other proteins that may be potential biomarkers. He also wants to shorten the time to get results; with ELISA testing the process takes a couple of hours.”
By being able to perform blood tests for TBI, we may be on the brink of a new classification level for different kinds of brain injuries. There isn’t word yet on whether the blood test is effective for anoxic injuries or stroke.
Click here to read “UF experts discover process to better detect brain injury.”
