BioDirection Inc. is poised to launch what it says is the first objective point-of-care test for diagnosing concussion and other traumatic brain injury. Based on proprietary nanotechnology, the company’s Tbit device detects molecular levels of two crucial brain biomarkers that are released into the bloodstream immediately after a brain injury, from just a single drop of blood in less than two minutes.

BioDirection Inc. is poised to launch what it says is the first objective point-of-care test for diagnosing concussion and other traumatic brain injuries. Based on proprietary nanotechnology, the company’s Tbit device detects molecular levels of two crucial brain biomarkers that are released into the bloodstream immediately after a brain injury, from just a single drop of blood in less than two minutes.

Medtronic has recruited physician opinion leaders for strategic management positions in most of its operating divisions. The company believes this strategy will help bring them closer to customers and expedite the bedside-to-bench process for developing new products.

People have awakened to the opportunities in diagnostics. Molecular information offers the potential for increased test sensitivity, and reduced upfront sample prep using nanotechnology could provide the means for many gene- and protein-based diagnostic tests to transition out of the central lab. Nanotech may also enable the use of newly discovered or newly usable biomarkers. Finally, unlike the traditional point-of-care model, a new wave of nanotech-based instruments could bring testing even closer to the patient.