The test — which is used to take blood samples before and after a game — searches for a biomarker known as S100B, which signifies brain damage if found in elevated levels in an athlete’s blood.
A blood test could be a cost-efficient alternative to otherwise expensive cognitive/behavioral tests, CT scans or MRIs. The blood test could also be performed anywhere, such as locker rooms or physicians’ offices, and offers a yes-or-no determination of whether an athlete requires medical intervention as a result of in-game collisions.
In addition, these new tests and the game-by-game observance of athletes allow for earlier diagnoses and treatment. Currently, detailed neurological and behavioral testing may be delayed for several days after an event, creating uncertainty and potential risk.
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