A Groundbreaking Moment for Healthcare

Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC) has become the first hospital in the world to utilize an innovative new blood test to assess patients with suspected mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). This rapid test, developed by Abbott in partnership with the Department of Defense, utilizes innovative research that Orlando Health’s Linda Papa, MD, helped pioneer over 20 years ago. 

The i-STAT Alinity TBI test examines a patient’s blood for two specific brain injury biomarkers. By detecting the presence of these markers, the test can help guide faster and more efficient care for adult patients with TBIs within 15 minutes.

Emergency medicine physician and researcher Dr. Linda Papa, director of clinical research at Orlando Health, has been instrumental in identifying and validating the biomarkers that form the foundation of this groundbreaking test. “This blood test will revolutionize the care of patients with traumatic brain injury,” Dr. Papa expressed. “We have blood tests for so many organs in the body. Now, doctors finally have a blood test to quickly check your brain.”

Each month, Orlando Health ORMC’s emergency department treats an average of 125 patients who suffer from TBIs. This test offers hope for improved outcomes, a better overall patient experience and decreased patient costs by limiting the use of more expensive tests.

We strive to practice medicine at the forefront of research and technology, training future generations of physicians on novel therapies. Dr. Papa’s research and the development of this test are examples of that in action. For an adult patient who may have a concussion or TBI, we can use this test at the bedside, limiting radiation exposure as much as possible.

– Jay G. Ladde, MD, FACEP, FAAEM, senior associate program director, emergency medicine and professor of emergency medicine at Orlando Health