Finger-prick blood tests which quickly detect the deadliest type of stroke could save lives

A finger-prick blood test is being piloted by ambulance crews in Cambridgeshire to diagnose large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes, which cause 95% of disabilities and deaths but are tricky to diagnose without a brain scan. Developed by UpFront Diagnostics, the test can detect LVOs with 90% accuracy within 15 minutes, potentially revolutionizing stroke diagnosis and treatment in the NHS. The Stroke Association is advocating for improved stroke care and the use of innovative technology like the finger-prick blood test to meet the government’s target of reducing stroke disability and death by 25% by 2035.

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