Blood test may spare Head-Injury patients on blood thinners from unnecessary CT scans

NCT ID NCT03780062

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether measuring S100B protein levels in the blood can safely rule out serious brain injuries in adults with minor head trauma who take antiplatelet drugs (blood thinners). 720 participants had a blood test upon arriving at the emergency room, followed by a CT scan 4-8 hours later. The goal was to see if a low S100B level could reliably predict no need for surgery or hospitalisation, potentially avoiding CT scans and radiation exposure.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
S100B protein blood test
What this could lead to
If successful, this blood test could help doctors quickly rule out dangerous brain injuries in patients on blood thinners after a minor head bump, reducing the need for CT scans.
What could go wrong
This is a completed Phase 3 trial, but the test may not be accurate enough in all patients, and false negatives could miss serious injuries. Results need validation in broader populations.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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

Locations

  • CHU of MONTPELLIER

    Montpellier, 34090, France

  • CHU of NICE

    Nice, 06003, France

  • CHU of POITIERS

    Poitiers, 86021, France

  • La Pité Salpêtrière

    Paris, 75013, France