A stroke due to the blockage of a large artery in the brain disproportionately affects people from poorer backgrounds. Without urgent treatment, LVO strokes can result in death, disability, and care costs. Removing the blockage as quickly as possible (thrombectomy), gives the best chance of recovery. However, only specialised regional hospitals are trained to provide this treatment.

Currently, ambulance staff cannot recognise people with a large artery blockage and most patients are subsequently transferred to a specialist centre, following assessment at their local hospital. The delay in reaching a specialist hospital decreases the effectiveness of a thrombectomy.

If ambulances were able to diagnose an artery blockage immediately, they would be able to refer patients directly to specialist care and improve the chance of recovery. Alternative ways to identify LVO strokes are often expensive, require specialist training, and do not always provide accurate results.

Current means of identifying LVO strokes involve a brain scan and require a trained radiologist to interpret the results. The LVOne test is the first of its kind, using a finger prick of blood, the test uses blood biomarking to identify LVO strokes within patients quickly. The blood can be drawn by a technician and does not require a specialist consultant. Its ease of use and costeffectiveness means it is easy to implement in current healthcare systems.

HI NENC supported the company with successful Phase 1 and 2 SBRI applications, which allowed the company to develop prototypes and manufacture the product. In addition, HI NENC supported the adoption of the LVOne test by facilitating introductions to frontline clinicians, as well as supporting them with NHS procurement advice.