Rugby study shows simple saliva test could determine concussion

Rugby players may soon have saliva tests to see if they have suffered concussion.

Rugby administrators in England are excited at the potential of the development they will trial extensively this season.

The Times reports that if the trials are successful, concussion could be tested by a player spitting into a hand-held device, which would indicate within minutes whether that player has a brain injury.

These devices could be mass-produced, making proper concussion management available not just in the professional game but in club and school rugby. It would work for other sports, the military and even playground accidents too.

The test has been pioneered by neurosurgeon Tony Belli, professor of trauma neurosurgery at the University of Birmingham, who for the last nine years has researched the development of a test that measures biological markers (biomarkers) present in the saliva and urine of players.

His findings so far have identified changes in saliva in response to trauma, The Times report said.

Players were asked to provide baseline samples of saliva and urine before the season started. Concussion tests involving further saliva samples would be measured against these.

Biomarkers in the urine are intended to corroborate evidence found in saliva. Biomarkers take longer to appear in urine, though, which is why urine could not be used as an immediate test for brain injury during game-time.

If a player suffers a confirmed or suspected concussion in a game, he will provide a saliva sample immediately and, later, a urine sample. These can then be compared with the baseline samples in order to detect differences in the levels of biomarkers.

While World Rugby has been applauded for its measures to assess concussions and prevent injured players returning to action, there have been concerns voiced that the current concussion tests are too subjective, largely based around memory tests.

Rugby officials believe the new study has the ability to make the tests much more scientific and accurate.