FDA Approves First Rapid Handheld Concussion Test

Each year, roughly five million Americans are examined in the emergency room for suspected mild traumatic brain injuries. According to a recent Medscape article, a new rapid blood test could cut down on wait times and reduce unnecessary CT scans by up to 40%. The device is the i-STAT Alinity TBI plasma test manufactured by Abbott Laboratories, and it was developed in collaboration with the US Department of Defense. The handheld device is the first rapid blood test for concussions to receive FDA approval.