Blood test may spare some patients unnecessary brain scans after stroke symptoms

This study tested whether a blood test for a protein called PS100B can help doctors rule out a stroke in patients who have had symptoms for more than 24 hours but less than 4 days. These patients are not eligible for emergency clot-busting drugs or surgery, so a reliable blood test could avoid the need for urgent brain imaging. The study enrolled 179 adults at a French hospital and compared their PS100B levels with a final diagnosis confirmed by a panel of experts.