Prehospital biomarker and phone call-based detection for ischaemic stroke thrombectomy
This study looks at a new way for ambulance teams to quickly identify a serious type of stroke called a 'large vessel occlusion stroke'. This stroke needs emergency surgery, called a 'thrombectomy', to remove a blood clot in the brain. Getting this surgery quickly is vital for recovery. Ambulance staff currently don't have a specific test for this. The study is evaluating a simple finger-prick blood test, combined with a phone call to the hospital, to see if it can accurately tell if someone has this serious stroke. If successful, it could help patients get to the right specialist hospital for treatment much faster.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine someone having a serious stroke where a blood clot blocks a major artery in their brain. This type of stroke is called a 'large vessel occlusion' or LVO stroke. For these patients, there's a vital operation called a 'thrombectomy' where doctors go in and remove the clot. The quicker this operation happens, the better the chance for the person to recover and have fewer long-term problems.
Currently, when ambulance staff suspect a stroke, they take the patient to the nearest hospital. However, the special clot-removing operation (thrombectomy) is only done at certain expert hospitals. This often means a patient might first go to a local hospital, have scans to confirm the severe stroke, and then need to be moved to the specialist hospital. This takes up precious time.
This study is trying to make this process much faster. Researchers are looking at a new system for ambulance staff. It involves a simple finger-prick blood test, like the kind used to check blood sugar, combined with a quick phone call between the ambulance team and hospital doctors. They want to see if this new system can accurately and quickly identify people with an LVO stroke who would benefit from the emergency clot-removing operation. The goal is to get these patients to the right specialist hospital straight away, saving critical time.
Key takeaways
- This study evaluates a new, faster way to spot severe strokes in ambulances.
- It uses a simple finger-prick blood test and a quick phone call to hospital doctors.
- The goal is to help patients get to specialist hospitals for urgent surgery more quickly.
- Your participation helps improve future stroke care for others.
- You will still receive the best possible emergency medical care.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who ambulance staff suspect are having a new stroke that started within the last six hours. You must also be generally alert or respond to sounds or touch, and have one or more common stroke symptoms (like face drooping, arm weakness, or speech difficulty).
If you've been in hospital or visited A&E for an emergency within the last week, you would not be able to join this study. Also, if the ambulance is taking you to a hospital not involved in the study, you wouldn't be able to participate. The ambulance team will be able to tell you if you meet these quick checks.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Did your stroke symptoms start within the last 6 hours?
- Are you generally alert or responsive?
- Are you being taken to a hospital that is part of this study?
- Have you NOT been in hospital or A&E in the last 7 days?
What does participation involve?
If you are asked to take part and agree, the ambulance staff will do the new assessment. This involves a simple finger-prick blood test, and they will also make a phone call to hospital staff to share information. Once you arrive at the hospital, the study will collect information about your health, any tests you have, and the treatments you receive. You will continue to receive emergency care as usual. The study will not involve any extra hospital visits or long-term follow-up beyond your standard care. The total duration of your involvement would be during your initial ambulance journey and hospital stay.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedUnited Kingdom
- North East Ambulance ServiceApproximateNewcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is an LVO stroke?
It's a serious type of stroke caused by a large blood clot blocking an important artery in your brain. It often needs emergency surgery.
What is a thrombectomy?
It's a special emergency operation to remove a blood clot from an artery in the brain, improving blood flow and reducing damage from a stroke.
Will taking part change my stroke treatment?
No, you will receive the same high-quality emergency stroke care you would normally. This study is just testing a new way to quickly identify the type of stroke.
Is the finger-prick test painful?
It's a quick prick, similar to a blood sugar test, and generally only causes a tiny, brief discomfort.
How long does the study last for me?
Your involvement in the study is limited to the ambulance journey and your initial hospital stay. There is no long-term follow-up.
How to find out more
Lisa Shaw
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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