Birmingham researchers create new test to detect concussion in rugby players

The University of Birmingham has come up with a new saliva test to detect concussion in rugby players.

Academics have been running trials with around 1,000 professional men playing in England's Premiership and Championship competitions. It works by using DNA markers to predict the results of head injury assessments with 94% accuracy.

Previous research by the team found that the concentration of specific molecules in saliva changes rapidly after a traumatic brain injury.

It's non-invasive and Professor Antonio Belli says it could be a game changer;

"A lot of the research that's done on this kind of work...is actually done on blood. That research is great...but blood is not something you can use on the pitch side or with children"

The University says the breakthrough means it could be used to reduce the risk of concussions in wider settings such as military and healthcare.

First author Dr Valentina Di Pietro, of the University of Birmingham said:

“Concussion can be difficult to diagnose, particularly in settings such as grass roots sports where evaluation by a specialist clinician is not possible. Consequently, some concussions may go undiagnosed.

“There are also concerns regarding the long-term brain health of those exposed to repeated concussions.

The team will present their findings and what they aim to do next at the World Rugby Laws and Welfare Symposium which is being held later this month.

At the end of last year it was announced that eight former players are planning to launch legal action for negligence against World Rugby, the RFU and the WRU over the effects of concussion.