The test is designed to identify increased levels of a protein called brain-specific glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in the blood. Abbott’s i-STAT Alinity blood analyser device was used to carry out the test.
A CT scan is the existing standard of care for acute detection of blood or swelling in the brain.
The study, named TRACK-TBI, showed that approximately 30% of patients who had a normal CT scan exhibited TBI signs when tested with an MRI scan. However, MRIs are not accessible at all hospitals, are comparatively slow at delivering results and are more costly, noted Abbott.
