METHODS AND DEVICES FOR QUANTITATIVELY ESTIMATING SYNDECAN-1

This disclosure provides methods and devices for determining a quantitative estimate of syndecan-1 levels in a mammalian subject suspected of internal hemorrhaging. The method includes applying a blood sample from the subject to a hand-held assay device capable of providing optical quantitation of the amount of syndecan-1 in the sample, measuring, by means of said assay device, an analyte signal value correlated to a concentration of the syndecan-1 in the blood sample and comparing the analyte signal value to a minimum threshold, wherein an analyte signal value less than the minimum threshold indicates that the subject is not internally hemorrhaging, and an analyte signal value above the minimum threshold indicates the subject is internally hemorrhaging. The methods and devices are adapted to rapidly assess internal hemorrhaging and hemorrhagic shock in a patient outside of hospital settings.