#United States #Irvine #Abbott #MotoAmerica #Concussion Test

MotoAmerica and Abbott's Revolutionary Partnership for Concussion Testing

In a groundbreaking announcement, MotoAmerica, the premier motorcycle racing series in North America, has taken a significant leap in athlete safety by becoming the first professional sports organization to employ Abbott's rapid blood test for concussion evaluation at on-site races. This innovative approach promises to enhance safety protocol in the high-speed world of motorcycle racing, where the risk of head injuries is inherently high.

The i-STAT TBI Test

The focus of this new initiative is Abbott’s i-STAT TBI test cartridge, designed to quickly assess individuals aged 18 and older with suspected mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). The test utilizes whole blood and provides lab-quality results within just 15 minutes, making it possible for medical personnel at MotoAmerica events to make timely decisions about riders' health. With the potential to analyze samples up to 24 hours post-injury, the i-STAT TBI test represents a game-changer in concussion management and athlete safety.

Carl Price, M.D., chief medical officer for MotoAmerica, hailed this development, stating, "This is the first-ever objective test that physicians can utilize at the point-of-care for concussion assessments. It transforms the way we approach the safety of our athletes." The availability of immediate, reliable test results allows for quicker determinations on whether riders require more extensive evaluations, such as CT scans, after a crash.

Enhancements in Rider Safety at MotoAmerica Events

MotoAmerica has consistently prioritized rider safety, providing a comprehensive array of protective gear including airbag-equipped suits, helmets designed for multiple impact forces, and full-body armor. The series also incorporates safety measures on the tracks, such as air fence barriers and specially designated medical safety vehicles, to ensure immediate attention can be provided to fallen riders.

By integrating Abbott's advanced testing technology, MotoAmerica aims to uphold its commitment to rider safety while enhancing the overall standard of care available at race events. As Chuck Aksland, COO of MotoAmerica, noted, “We continue to elevate our standards to safeguard our racers, and this partnership with Abbott further solidifies our dedication to their health and well-being.”

The Science Behind the Test

The i-STAT TBI test operates on a straightforward premise: it requires only a small venous blood sample, which is processed in real-time using the portable i-STAT Alinity instrument. The test specifically measures two brain biomarkers—ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)—that are released into the bloodstream following significant brain injuries. If biomarker levels fall below predetermined thresholds, it may indicate that a severe injury has not occurred, thereby circumventing unnecessary CT scans.

This rapid evaluation capability is vital, particularly in the fast-paced environment of sports, where timely access to medical data can influence outcomes and treatment plans. Beth McQuiston, M.D., medical director in Abbott’s diagnostics division, emphasized the importance of objective assessments, stating, “The ability to evaluate the need for a CT scan at the point of care—whether at the hospital or during a race—ensures swift treatment for concussed athletes.”

A Step Forward for Concussion Awareness

With the staggering prevalence of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in both sports and accident scenarios—over 2.5 million emergency department visits annually in the U.S. according to the CDC—this collaboration marks a pivotal initiative in addressing athlete safety and concussion awareness in motorcycle racing. By incorporating state-of-the-art medical technology into race day protocols, MotoAmerica and Abbott are setting a precedent for sports organizations globally.

As MotoAmerica gears up for the 2025 racing season, commencing with their event at Michelin Raceway Road in Atlanta, the integration of Abbott's rapid concussion testing is expected to become a standard practice, ushering in a new era of safety in motorsports and potentially influencing similar practices across various sports.

The partnership exemplifies the spirit of innovation in athletics, emphasizing the importance of health and safety without compromising the thrilling, competitive nature of motorcycle racing. As the landscape of sports medicine continues to evolve, MotoAmerica's forward-thinking approach may very well lead to broader implementations of similar safety protocols in different professional sports arenas.