Cleveland Clinic researchers say they're developing a blood test that can accurately determine if a patient has a concussion for a fraction of the cost of a CT head scan.

A team of researchers at the hospital says the test, which looks for a protein in the blood normally only found in the brain, could spare patients radiation from a CT scan and save the health system money, according to WKYC Local News.

Nearly a million emergency room visits are prompted by traumatic brain injury. However, doctors can have trouble distinguishing between serious brain trauma and milder injuries.
To determine if a concussion is present, patients usually have to undergo CT or MRI scans, which can cost thousands of dollars and require hospitals to have the specialized equipment and appropriate staff.

The researchers, led by Damir Janigro, a cell biologist with the hospital, say their test might be able to spare some patients from undergoing the scans.

The test, which takes about 20 minutes to return results, hinges on the finding that in many concussions, the blood-brain barrier is disrupted. The blood test checks for the protein S100B in the serum. The protein is usually only found in the brain.

The researchers say if given within four hours of the injury, the test can accurately predict who will have an abnormal head CT scan.

Currently, the team is evaluating their system on college football players. If successful, they could develop a portable device to be used on the sidelines, as well as in the emergency room, according to WKYC.

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