A new blood test might be available to reduce the use of CT scans, which expose patients to radiations, making doctors reluctant to use them on all patients, especially when it comes to children or elderly, according to scientists.

Many diagnoses are based on apparent symptoms – such as vomiting, headaches and loss of balance – but this method does not tell how severe the case is.

This blood test, developed in Florida, analyses two blood proteins linked to brain injuries and can identify the severity of the injury thanks to the level of the blood proteins. It could be done by emergency medical teams in the ambulance or in sports events and would save not only time and trouble, but also a lot of money as CT scans are expensive.

“”You really want to minimise the amount of CTs you do to your patients, especially children, who are more sensitive to radiation and possible side effects,” says Dr. Linda Papa, lead author of the study. “The idea is to develop a simple diagnostic tool like a blood test than can tell us quickly and accurately if a brain injury has occurred, and how severe it might be.”