From Evidence to Practice: TBI Biomarkers Reshape Head Trauma Evaluation at MUSC

Presented by: Abbott

Speakers: Nathan Roberts, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina

Day & Time: Monday, October 5, 2:45pm – 3:30pm

Location: Exhibit Hall, Expert Theater Hall One

opportunities to reshape how emergency clinicians evaluate adult head trauma. This session will provide an overview of GFAP and UCH-L1 blood-based biomarkers, including the biology they reflect, the evolution of TBI biomarker research, and the evidence supporting their use in emergency medicine. The discussion will examine how these tests can aid head CT decision-making in selected patients with suspected mild TBI, while also addressing key questions about patient selection, timing from injury, interpretation of positive and negative results, and how biomarkers fit within clinical decision-making. We will also review the clinical and operational impact of TBI biomarkers, including how they may affect CT utilization, radiation exposure, ED length of stay, cost, patient counseling, and workflow efficiency. Using the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) Emergency Department as a real-world example, we will discuss the process of bringing biomarker testing into emergency department practice, including clinician education, workflow integration, turnaround-time considerations, and early lessons learned. The session will conclude with future directions, including ongoing implementation experience and continued research to refine and optimize the role of TBI biomarkers in head trauma evaluation.