Catching concussions fast

New saliva test gives results right on the sidelines.

HeadFirst Inc., a University of Waterloo startup, has developed a simple saliva test designed to screen for concussions in minutes. By identifying key biomarkers released after brain injury, the test provides fast, objective results anywhere—helping athletes, coaches and healthcare providers make safer decisions and reduce the risks of long-term complications. Read more.

> 200K concussions happen every year in Canada

(Statistics Canada)
~ 50% of concussions go unreported because symptoms are subtle or players fear being sidelined

(Centre for Disease Control)
>10% of concussions lead to long-lasting symptoms

(Canadian Pediatric Society)
Salivary biomarkers offer a non-invasive way to detect and monitor concussions. Measured through saliva, they can distinguish acute injuries from post-concussion syndrome, predict recovery and track brain damage severity. Combining these markers improves diagnostic accuracy. (National Library of Medicine)

I’ve gone through the subjective tests that exist today, and I know that athletes are able to find a way around them to stay in the game.

Andrew Cordssen-David 

Andrew Cordssen-David 

Andrew Cordssen-David, an alum from the Faculties of Science and Engineering and former Warrior hockey player, is the CEO and co-founder of HeadFirst Inc. He co-founded the company with Dr. Shazia Tanvir, a researcher specializing in chemical engineering. 

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