Testing quick genetic screening to personalize stroke blood thinners

After a stroke or mini-stroke, doctors typically prescribe two blood-thinning medications together: clopidogrel and aspirin. However, some people's bodies don't process clopidogrel effectively because of their genes. This study tests whether a quick, on-site genetic test can identify who those people are, so doctors can switch them to a different medication (ticagrelor) that works better for them.

Research shows that ticagrelor works better than clopidogrel for people whose genes make them poor processors of the medication, but hospitals haven't widely adopted this genetic testing yet in emergency situations. This study aims to see if offering rapid genetic screening in the emergency department can help doctors personalize stroke treatment right away.