Monash blood test for blast-linked brain injury responds to veteran suicide inquiry
The Age—Monash University is developing a blood test that screens for proteins released during traumatic brain injury, aiming to give a fast, objective diagnostic for soldiers exposed to blast waves from artillery, explosives, or breaching drills. The research is a direct response to findings from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, which linked repeated blast exposure and undiagnosed brain trauma to elevated suicide risk among veterans. Unlike imaging-based diagnosis, a blood biomarker test could be administered in the field or shortly after exposure, potentially catching injuries current screening misses. The project signals a broader shift in how the Australian Defence Force is approaching brain-injury surveillance after years of criticism over its handling of veteran mental health.