New Blood Test to Detect Concussions, Norman Regional First in Oklahoma to Offer
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Norman Regional Health System announced it’s the first and only health system in Oklahoma to offer a newly FDA-approved bioMérieux blood test to help detect mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) and concussions in patients 18 years and older.
This innovative test is now available in all three Norman Regional Emergency Departments in Norman and Moore. It gives doctors a faster, less invasive way to evaluate patients who may have suffered a concussion after a fall, car accident, sports injury, or other blow to the head.
The test, developed by bioMérieux, a global leader in medical diagnostics, uses a small blood sample to check for special biomarkers that are released into the bloodstream within the first hour after a brain injury. Results from the test are available in under an hour, helping doctors quickly decide whether a patient needs further testing, such as a CT scan. This means patients may avoid unnecessary radiation exposure while still receiving safe and timely care.
“This new test represents another example of how Norman Regional is investing in cutting-edge technology to provide the best possible care for our patients,” said Ken Dohm, Director of Clinical Laboratory. “Being the first health system in Oklahoma to offer this test underscores our commitment to leading-edge innovation and compassionate care.”
“If a patient comes into the ER after hitting their head, time is critical,” said Michael Porter, MD, Norman Regional Emergency Department Physician. “With this new test, we can draw blood and have results back in under an hour. It gives us a fast, reliable way to know whether a patient needs further testing or can be safely treated without unnecessary scans. It’s a huge step forward in keeping our patients safe and giving them peace of mind.”
In the News
- Norman Regional Health introduces new blood test for concussion detection - KOCO Channel 5
- Norman Regional offers new blood test to detect concussions, first in Oklahoma - KFOR Channel 4
- Norman Regional first in Oklahoma to offer rapid blood test for concussion diagnosis - KWTV News9
Why This Matters to Oklahomans
A concussion happens when a sudden bump, blow, or impact to the head causes the brain to move inside the skull. It’s a medical emergency requiring immediate evaluation. Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, nausea, or confusion. While most concussions are not life-threatening, they’re still a medical emergency because complications can occur if left untreated.
According to the CDC, more than 69,000 deaths in the U.S. were related to traumatic brain injury. Falls are one of the most common causes, especially in older adults. As colder weather approaches and the risk of slipping and falling increases, this new blood test provides a quicker way to evaluate head injuries in the ER.
Benefits for Patients and Providers
- Patient Friendly: A simple blood draw replaces the immediate need for imaging in many cases.
- Fast Results: Results are delivered in under an hour, enabling quicker decision-making.
- Improved Safety: Helps avoid unnecessary CT scans and radiation exposure.
- Reassuring: Provides emergency doctors with a reliable tool to guide treatment.
Norman Regional Laboratory Services, already known across Norman, Moore, Blanchard, Newcastle, and Goldsby for its state-of-the-art technology and compassionate service, is proud to be at the forefront of offering this new diagnostic test to the community, said Dohm.
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