杏吧原创

Paramedics will soon be able to confirm immediately from a blood sample whether someone has had a stroke, instead of having to wait for a brain scan. Proteome Sciences of Cobham, Surrey, has discovered protein patterns in blood that are unique to stroke victims. 鈥淵ou鈥檒l only see elevation of these proteins in blood if someone has had a stroke,鈥� says Christopher Pearce, the firm鈥檚 managing director. Proteome Sciences鈥� researchers discovered the proteins in fluid taken from the spinal columns of people who had suffered strokes, but later found them in their blood as well. Proteome Sciences has antibodies which detect the proteins, and is looking for commercial partners to develop the test. It is also looking for proteins that will allow doctors to distinguish between ischaemic strokes, which are caused by blood clots, and haemorrhagic strokes, which are caused by burst blood vessels. Each type requires a different treatment, and giving patients the wrong one can be fatal.