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Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has pioneered a game-changing solution for the swift detection of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) with the introduction of the Advanced Military Measure of Olfaction (AMMO) kit.

Designed as a portable screening tool, AMMO offers rapid assessment for TBIs in a variety of environments, from military battlegrounds to sports arenas, aiding in timely intervention.

"The AMMO test kit is not intended as a diagnostic test but as a screening tool," said SwRI Senior Research Engineer Kreg Zimmern, spearheading the project.

Comprising six sealed vials containing an assortment of scents ranging from fruity to spicy aromas, the AMMO kit allows for immediate olfactory testing. Upon compression, a vial turns blue, signaling the release of an odor, prompting patients to identify the scent from four options provided on an attached card. Responses are recorded on a separate answer card, with correct answers concealed beneath a sticker. Studies have shown a strong correlation between incorrect scent identification and positive TBI results on MRI examinations.

"Someone exposed to a blast on the battlefield could be screened immediately with AMMO instead of waiting for the onset of signs or symptoms of TBI. The inability to identify the scents could be used as rationale to justify an MRI," Zimmern explained, as per Medical Express.

AMMO is currently undergoing stability assessments to ascertain its shelf life without compromising effectiveness. Developed in compliance with FDA and ISO standards, AMMO stands out as the sole olfactory test kit subjected to such rigorous validation.

"The kit is inexpensive, compact, has no special storage conditions and doesn't need electricity. This makes it a potential screening tool in emergency rooms as well as at workplaces, nursing homes and youth, collegiate and professional sports games," Zimmern emphasized.

While AMMO administration requires no specialized training, the results furnish critical insights for first responders and medical professionals alike.

"Traumatic brain injuries can have profound and sometimes long-term effects. They can dramatically change the course of lives. Plus, they are also notoriously difficult to diagnose and multiple TBIs can be catastrophic," Zimmern remarked, noting the significance of AMMO in expediting TBI screening.

SwRI collaborated with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine and the Air Force Research Laboratory to bring AMMO to fruition.