Why in News?
ICMR launched CEREBO, an indigenous portable device for rapid, radiation-free diagnosis of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Introduction
- India: >1 lakh deaths & >1 million serious TBI cases annually.
- 50% fatalities occur within first 2 hrs.
- CT/MRI often inaccessible in rural/emergency settings.
- CEREBO bridges this gap – portable, fast, affordable tool.
About CEREBO
- Tech: Near-infrared spectroscopy + machine learning.
- Features:
- Radiation-free, safe for infants & pregnant women.
- Detects intracranial bleeding & oedema in <1 min.
- User-friendly (30 mins training enough).
- Cost-effective; colour-coded results for quick triage.
Development & Collaboration
- Developed by ICMR + MDMS + AIIMS Bhopal + NIMHANS Bengaluru + Bioscan Research.
- Clinical validation, regulatory approvals, and multi-centre trials (mPRiDE).
- Tested at trauma & neurosurgical centres.
Significance
- Accessibility: Helps rural/remote areas lacking CT/MRI.
- Affordability: Low-cost alternative to expensive scans.
- Speed & Precision: Saves lives by enabling early treatment.
- Emergency use: Ambulances, trauma centres, disaster & military healthcare.
- Reduces import dependency.
Public Health Impact
- 50% TBI deaths within 2 hrs – early detection critical.
- Reduces mortality, disability, and healthcare burden.
- Supports affordable & accessible healthcare in India.
Future Outlook
- ICMR pushing for state-level adoption.
- Integration into tertiary care & emergency systems.
- Potential global model for low-cost TBI diagnosis in developing countries.