Technology

Innovators in Point-of-Care Diagnostics

FloTBI has developed an innovative method to study salivary markers of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that can be used at home, without specific training, and even as a self-administered test. The prototypes of the first commercial point-of-care (POC) test encompass an on-site screen for salivary markers in individuals with head injury to determine the need for diagnostic computed tomography (CT) imaging. The test devices are self-powered and easy to handle; they are ideal for use at home, in the field, or under disaster relief conditions. The devices can also be used to screen for BBB damage under other conditions, such COVID-19 encephalopathy or as a side effect of cellular chemotherapy.

HomER is a disposable saliva test for on-site determination of head injury. It is a lateral flow assay with a design similar to that of a pregnancy test. The user applies saliva to a cotton swab on the device and within minutes receives a positive or negative result regarding the need to visit the Emergency Room. This technology is based on the strong predictive value of saliva biomarker levels for head injuries.