The Food and Drug Administration recently approved a groundbreaking test that could significantly enhance the diagnosis of concussions.
This test, developed by a team led by Dr. David Okwonkwo, the neurosurgeon for the Pittsburgh Steelers, boasts an impressive 95.6 percent accuracy rate in ruling out concussions when conducted within 24 hours of an injury.
According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Abby Mackey, the test, known as the i-STAT Alinity, analyzes a blood sample for the presence of two proteins, UCH-L1 and GFAP. These proteins are released into the bloodstream following a brain injury, making them reliable markers for concussions.
Abbott, the company manufacturing the test, plans to make the i-STAT Alinity available to emergency rooms and urgent care centers by the summer of 2024. There is also an intention to extend its availability to the U.S. military and professional sports leagues in the future.
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Dr. Okwonkwo shared that while the test was primarily validated in patients at level one trauma centers, there is potential for its application in sports. “We have every reason to believe that there is significant overlap with the injuries to athletes who sustain a concussion, but we need to do studies specifically in that patient population to confirm that use,” he stated.
This development comes at a critical time as concerns over player safety continue to grow, with athletes becoming increasingly faster and stronger. The introduction of such diagnostic tools represents a significant step forward in managing and mitigating the risks associated with concussions in sports and beyond.
