AdvertisementPoliticsFederalDefence Army to use blood tests to detect brain injuries from weapon blasts Matthew Knott July 30, 2026 — 10:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Retired lieutenant colonel Paul Scanlan, an advocate for action on blast injuries in defence, during his time in the army. Blood tests analysed at Monash University’s Melbourne laboratory will be used to detect tiny amounts of proteins known to be released in the bloodstream during a traumatic brain injury. Veterans Affairs Minister Matt Keogh said: “The health, safety and wellbeing of current and former serving Defence Force personnel is my highest priority. AdvertisementThe royal commission found current and ex-service members “reported receiving insufficient support from the ADF for brain injury and having difficulty obtaining compensation”.