Inventive Health Develops Rapid Concussion Blood Test

A new portable finger-prick test aims to identify brain injuries in under 15 minutes at the point of care.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Stroke

Inventive Health Develops Rapid Concussion Blood Test

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Inventive Health Solutions is collaborating with Monash University to create a rapid blood test for mild traumatic brain injuries. This portable diagnostic tool is designed to detect specific proteins released by the brain following a concussion.

Why it matters

Currently, there is no objective test for concussions available at the immediate point of injury, often leading to unnecessary hospital imaging. This innovation could provide a quick, portable alternative to traditional diagnostic methods.

The proposed diagnostic test is engineered to deliver results in under 15 minutes without requiring laboratory equipment. This aims to reduce the reliance on CT scans, which currently show no significant injury in 80 per cent of cases.

The players

Inventive Health Solutions

This is a health technology company based in Sydney that is developing diagnostic tools for head injuries.

Monash University

This is a public research university in Australia that serves as the academic partner for this medical research project.

The details

The test utilizes a finger-prick blood sample to identify proteins that are released by the brain during a mild traumatic brain injury. By providing immediate results, the technology seeks to replace the need for hospital-based CT scans for routine head injury assessments.

The article was published on 15 October 2026.

Health Landscape

This project aligns with the ongoing development of point-of-care diagnostic biomarkers for traumatic brain injury. It reflects a broader movement within the healthcare system to transition from hospital-based imaging to rapid, objective testing at the scene of an injury.

If successful, this test could significantly change how patients are assessed after a head injury by enabling faster triage at the point of care. It may reduce the time individuals spend in hospitals awaiting CT scans, streamlining the pathway for those with mild injuries.

The takeaway

Objective testing for head injuries has the potential to transform emergency response protocols and reduce medical wait times. Developing such technology underscores the importance of integrating advanced laboratory research into practical, portable clinical applications.