Technological advances in the clinical laboratory: A patent search on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) devices

Abstract

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a laboratory test that allows the evaluation of the presence of infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic processes of nonspecific origin. The ESR test using the Westergreen 1 h method remains in evidence due to its easy execution, reliability, and low cost; on the other hand, the assay has some limitations, such as its low sensibility and relative delay in providing results. The aim of this study was to analyze the amount of patent applications related to the ESR test, the profile of applicants, the temporal evolution of the types of claims, the predominance of claims by applicants, and applicants by patent family. Based on five guiding research questions, combined searches (keywords and International Patent Classification - IPC) were conducted in the Espacenet patent database considering the period from 1950 to June 2023. Of a total of 310 documents, 185 were selected for analysis. Results showed that 89.2 % of the filed patents were classified as IPC G01 N, and 10.8 % as IPC A61B, with an expressive growth of claims (69.7 %) related to automated systems for analysis of ESR along the period. Health Institutions represented 63.8 % of the applicants; 57.8 % of the applicants were from Asian countries; and 28.1 % of the applications belong to a patent family. The results indicate technological advance over the decades, especially in automated systems, contributing to the improvement of ESR analyses in a shorter time. Considering the importance of the ESR test in different settings, including low- and middle-income countries, there is a need to develop new technologies related to the test in other regions, and engage applicants from Educational Institutions involved in scientific research.