AptaTech: Biomarker-Based Stroke Detection

During an ischemic stroke, every minute that there is insufficient perfusion to the brain increases the risk of permanent neurological damage and death, making it paramount that stroke is identified as quickly as possible. According to current literature, the only definitive diagnostic method for stroke is medical imaging, which requires expensive equipment predominantly found in hospitals. Screening tests for stroke performed outside of the hospital, like the “BE FAST” test (where a suspected stroke patient is checked for deficiencies in balance, vision, facial muscle movement, motility in arms, and speech), are subjective, relying on the judgment of the test administrator and knowing the patient’s deviation from their baseline state; these tests miss at least 32,000 cases of stroke every year in the United States. Stroke treatments are very effective at restoring perfusion to the brain and preventing further damage, but they must be administered within a timely manner. A rapid and sensitive method to detect stroke in the pre-hospital setting will improve stroke outcomes, decreasing long term deficits and deaths.

AptaTech is developing a novel diagnostic device to quantitatively screen for stroke. When a patient is suspected of having a stroke, a blood sample is collected by our device and analyzed for biomarkers that are sensitive and specific for ischemic stroke.