Mater breakthrough in blood biomarkers for traumatic brain injury

Doctors at the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin have announced an advancement in the identification and clinical use of blood biomarkers for traumatic brain injury (TBI).

BAMBI (Biomarkers of Acute Mild Brain Injury) is a novel study taking place at the Mater, which examines the molecular signature of proteins of brain trauma via a blood test that is taken in the Emergency Department (ED).

According to a statement from the hospital, the test can be delivered in less than one hour and has the potential to improve emergency department patient flow by reducing the need for CT scans for head injuries.

Some 215 patients with head injuries who presented at the Mater’s ED during July-December 2025 were part of the research.  As well as undergoing a head CT scan, these patients also underwent a blood test for traumatic brain injury.  Such a blood test is much faster to administer and return results as well as being less impactful for the patient.  In the study,  this test was able to correctly identify 100 per cent of the head injuries detected by CT scans.  In the future, this could “dramatically reduce” the number of CT scans needed to diagnose TBI.  

The project is being led by Professor Phil O’Halloran, who is a Consultant Neurosurgeon at the Mater Hospital as well the Royal London Hospital.

“This research represents a significant milestone in the management of patients with traumatic brain injury in Ireland,” said Prof O’Halloran, who is also the Neurotrauma Clinical Lead for the Society of British Neurological Surgeons and Visiting Professor at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.  

“As we move towards a more personalised molecular strategy in the diagnosis and treatment of TBI, similar to modern cancer care, it solidifies Ireland’s position at the forefront of innovation in Neuro-Translational medicine. There are tangible benefits to patients, clinicians and hospitals while also giving rise to a potential economic impact which we are currently analysing.”