The Banyan Blood Test & Concussion Testing

On February 14, 2018 The New York Times published an article introducing blood testing as a new method of diagnosing traumatic brain injuries. The newly FDA approved test is provided by Banyan, a company that has been involved in concussion research with the NFL since Commissioner Goodell announced his PlaySmart PlaySafe Concussion Research Initiative in September 2016. The importance of this article cannot be understated, biomarkers are objective diagnostic tools, and should be considered to replace the current neuropsychological computerized testing procedures utilized to manage concussions.

Banyan has created a blood test and testing method that could be very helpful to doctors who want objective confirmation of a suspected concussion diagnosis. Apparently, Banyan has collaborated to provide equipment that is capable to be used on the sidelines or in the locker rooms to quickly assess players with suspected concussions. The impact of this change offers a quick and concise “remove from play” protocol for the medical professionals charged with the care of athletes on the sidelines of NFL games.

At Atlas Concussion Testing we applaud the efforts of Banyan to provide biomarkers that can assist with providing quick and easy to administer blood tests that can improve the safety of NFL players with objective “remove from play” biomarkers. Unfortunately, the biomarkers UHC-L1 and GFAP that Banyan has chosen for this blood test only have 4-hour half-lives, therefore they are only present in the blood for about 24 hours. While removing a concussed athlete from play is important, knowing when to return them to play is essential.
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Atlas Concussion Testing utilizes The Blood Brain Barrier Permeability Test from Cyrex Labs to measure proteins in the blood called antibodies, that are very stable and can be present for months,indicating that the concussion has not healed. We have been using these biomarkers as confirmation that it is truly SAFE to allow an athlete to return to play since  July 2016. With proper metabolic treatment strategies, the blood brain barrier can be healed more quickly, and brain inflammation can be calmed to reduce symptoms thus allowing players to resume their normal levels of participation. And finally, with a negative Blood Brain Barrier Permeability Test they can return to play without concern for second impact syndrome. To our knowledge, Cyrex Labs offers the only blood test that can do this.