Blood test may spot CTE in living patients for first time
NCT ID NCT04928534
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This completed study analyzed blood samples from 120 athletes and patients with a history of repeated mild head injuries, along with healthy volunteers. Researchers used advanced genetic and protein analysis to find markers in the blood that could signal chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain condition linked to concussions. The goal is to create a diagnostic test that could identify CTE while people are still alive, which is not currently possible.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a simple blood test to diagnose chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in living people, which is currently only possible after death.
What could go wrong
This is an observational study, not a treatment trial. The biomarkers identified may not prove accurate enough for clinical use, and further validation is needed.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Tianjin Medical University General Hospital
Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality, 300052, China