Quanterix’ Simoa HD-1 Analyzer diagnostic device is reportedly able to test for proteins in blood that correlate with a variety of different diseases. (Photo courtesy of Quanterix.)
A diagnostic device developed by Quanterix, Lexington, Mass, has reportedly been used to help physicians identify veterans who are at risk of complications from traumatic brain injury (TBI).
According to a news story that appeared in the Boston Business Journal, researchers at the National Institute of Nursing Research used Quanterix’ Simoa HD-1 Analyzer to measure the amount of tau protein in the veterans’ blood to see whether there was a connection between the level of tau in their blood and TBI.
Tau is known to have a role in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other neurodegenerative diseases, per the news story.
“When the brain experiences any kind of trauma, whether caused by a hit on the sidelines at a sporting event or someone impacted during combat while serving in the military, miniscule quantities of protein enter the blood stream,” said Kevin Hrusovsky, CEO and executive chairman of Quanterix, in the news story.
“Our technology is the only one sensitive enough to measure these proteins in a way that no one thought possible,” he continues.
The findings, published in a recent issue of JAMA Neurology, suggest that the study’s military participants who had elevated tau levels also had a history of TBI, compared to study participants who had never suffered one. The researchers also reportedly found that participants with three or more deployment-related brain injuries had higher levels of tau than those with less, the news story explains.
Physicians have no current way to diagnose those most at risk for TBI complications, the news story notes. However, the findings may present a way to identify prospective patients using a measurement of protein in the blood, the story concludes.
For more information, visit www.quanterix.com
[Source(s): Boston Business Journal, Quanterix]
