Until now, diagnosing a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often involved a combination of subjective assessments—like patient-reported symptoms, neurological exams, and CT scans. But thanks to recent advancements, a new TBI blood test is transforming the way medical professionals identify and treat TBIs, offering a rapid, objective tool that could improve care and outcomes for TBI patients.
At Ernst Law Group, our California brain injury lawyers understand the gravity of TBIs and their impact on victims and families. This new testing approach is an exciting development for anyone affected by TBIs, and we’re here to guide you through what this breakthrough means, the advantages it offers, and how it can play a role in legal cases related to brain injuries.
What is the TBI blood test?
The i-STAT TBI test, developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense, is a rapid, handheld diagnostic tool designed to detect biomarkers in the blood that indicate a traumatic brain injury. Biomarkers are proteins released into the bloodstream when the brain suffers an injury, and they offer a measurable, objective indicator that can support or rule out a TBI diagnosis.
The test can produce results within 15 minutes, making it a powerful tool for triaging patients quickly. A negative result can rule out the need for a CT scan, while a positive result can guide medical professionals in deciding on further testing or treatment. The i-STAT TBI plasma test, currently in use, has proven highly effective in emergency settings and may reduce unnecessary CT scans by up to 40%.
Why is a TBI blood test important?
For years, diagnosing TBIs has relied on imaging, neurological assessments, and self-reported symptoms—methods that can miss mild TBIs or yield inconclusive results. This new test provides a rapid, evidence-based way to confirm a TBI, reducing the risks associated with undiagnosed injuries, such as prolonged symptoms and increased vulnerability to future brain trauma.
With this technology:
- Diagnosis is faster and more accurate: The test’s results come within minutes, allowing for immediate intervention, which is critical in the hours following a head injury.
- Unnecessary CT scans are minimized: CT scans expose patients to radiation, and overuse can lead to other health risks. By using the TBI blood test as a screening tool, hospitals can reduce the number of scans, streamlining the diagnostic process and protecting patients.
- It’s helpful in diverse settings: The TBI blood test can be used outside traditional healthcare facilities. Future versions may be used on-site at sports events or workplaces, making it an ideal tool for high-risk environments.
How the TBI blood test works
When a traumatic brain injury occurs, the brain releases specific proteins into the bloodstream. The TBI blood test detects these proteins, which indicate the presence of brain damage. For now, the i-STAT TBI plasma test requires separating plasma from blood, but ongoing research aims to develop a whole blood test that would eliminate the need for plasma separation and further expedite diagnosis.
Potential uses of the TBI blood test
- Emergency rooms and trauma centers: In hospital settings, the TBI blood test can help healthcare providers assess and prioritize care for patients with head injuries. Rapid diagnosis allows for faster intervention and shorter ER wait times.
- Sports and recreational events: Concussions and other head injuries are common in sports. A portable TBI blood test could allow medical staff to make on-the-spot assessments and determine if players need immediate medical attention or if they can return to play safely.
- Military and high-risk occupations: In environments with a high risk of head injuries, such as the military or construction sites, a portable TBI test provides a quick way to evaluate injuries and ensure those affected receive the right level of care.
Legal significance of the i-STAT plasma test in California
In California, where TBIs impact thousands of residents annually, this blood test can be valuable in healthcare and legal contexts. For TBI victims, a fast and accurate diagnosis may enhance recovery chances and improve outcomes. From a legal perspective, an objective, scientific method for diagnosing TBIs strengthens personal injury claims by providing indisputable evidence of brain injury.
California statutes, such as California Civil Code Section 1714, establish liability based on negligence, holding individuals and organizations accountable if they fail to act reasonably, resulting in someone else’s injury. In cases involving TBIs, proving the presence and severity of an injury is critical for securing compensation. The TBI blood test provides reliable evidence to substantiate claims related to:
- Personal injury: Victims can use test results to support claims of injury from car accidents, falls, or assaults, increasing their chance of receiving appropriate compensation.
- Workplace injuries: For employees injured on the job, quick TBI diagnosis can improve outcomes in workers’ compensation cases.
- Sports-related injuries: Athletes may use TBI blood test results in lawsuits against leagues or organizations that failed to protect them from concussions or head trauma.
In cases where injury liability is disputed, the TBI blood test can be a powerful tool for establishing the presence of a brain injury and linking it to the incident in question.
The future of TBI blood tests
The current plasma-based TBI blood test is only the beginning. Researchers are developing a whole-blood test that would allow testing at the point of care without the need for plasma separation. This means that future TBI tests could be administered in any location, from sporting events to workplaces, making it easier than ever to evaluate head injuries and provide immediate care.
Additionally, developing the TBI blood test aligns with emerging trends in personalized healthcare. By tracking biomarkers over time, these tests may one day help monitor a patient’s recovery or detect risk factors for future injuries, providing a more holistic approach to brain health management.
Contact Ernst Law Group for a free consultation
If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, reach out to Ernst Law Group for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to helping TBI victims and their families understand their rights and pursue justice. With the support of objective diagnostic tools like the TBI blood test, we can strengthen your case and improve your path to recovery.
