Abbott i-STAT TBI Test

A Blood Test for Brain Injury Assessment

Traumatic brain injury is commonly evaluated through physical exams and imaging such as CT scans. However, imaging equipment is not always immediately available, especially in emergency or remote settings. The i-STAT TBI test by Abbott introduces a blood-based method to support clinical decision-making.

The test is designed for use with the portable i-STAT Alinity system. It measures specific biomarkers in a small blood sample to help determine whether a patient may require further imaging.

How the Test Works

The i-STAT TBI test analyzes proteins released into the bloodstream after a brain injury. These biomarkers can indicate whether structural brain damage may be present.

A healthcare professional collects a blood sample and inserts a test cartridge into the handheld analyzer. Results are delivered within minutes, allowing clinicians to integrate findings into early assessment workflows.

Core elements include:

• Portable handheld analyzer
• Single-use diagnostic cartridge
• Measurement of brain injury biomarkers
• Rapid result turnaround
• Designed for emergency and acute care settings

The system is intended to support, not replace, imaging and clinical evaluation.

Supporting Triage and Clinical Decisions

Emergency departments often face high patient volumes. A rapid blood-based screening tool may help identify patients at lower risk of certain brain injuries, potentially reducing unnecessary imaging in some cases.

The i-STAT platform is already used for various blood analyses, and the TBI cartridge expands its diagnostic range. Because the device is portable, it may be deployed in hospitals, urgent care settings, or certain field environments.

However, clinical judgment remains central. The test provides additional data points rather than a definitive diagnosis.

Expanding Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Point-of-care testing is becoming increasingly important in acute medicine. Portable systems allow faster decision-making without waiting for centralized lab processing.

The i-STAT TBI test reflects this broader shift toward rapid diagnostics in emergency care. By identifying measurable biomarkers associated with traumatic brain injury, it introduces a biochemical layer to early assessment protocols.