# Using Blood Markers to Diagnose Stroke and Tell Its Type > This patent describes a two-step method for diagnosing a stroke and then determining if it's an ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA) by measuring specific protein levels in a patient's blood. - **Patent:** US 10914745 - **Original title:** Biomarker-based methods for aiding the diagnosis of stroke - **Owner:** Randox Laboratories - **Granted:** 2021 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** biotech, pharmaceutical, medical_devices, diagnostics ## What it does The patent outlines a method for diagnosing a stroke by first measuring the concentration of at least two specific biomarkers in a blood sample. These biomarkers must include at least one from a group like ICAM-1, L-selectin, P-selectin, or VCAM-1, combined with another from a broader list including IL-6, sTNFR1, D-dimer, and CRP. The measured levels are then compared to normal control values. If a stroke is diagnosed, a second method is used to tell if it's an ischemic stroke or a 'mini-stroke' (TIA). This second step involves measuring VCAM-1 and at least one other biomarker from h-FABP, IL-6, or CRP, and comparing those levels to control values from TIA patients. For example, a doctor could take a blood sample, test for elevated ICAM-1 and D-dimer to initially diagnose a stroke, and then, if positive, test for VCAM-1 and h-FABP to differentiate it from a TIA. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover diagnosing stroke using only a single biomarker; at least two are required by claim 1. - Does not cover methods that do not include at least one biomarker from the specific group of ICAM-1, L-selectin, P-selectin, or VCAM-1 in the initial diagnosis. - Does not cover methods that differentiate stroke types without measuring VCAM-1 in the second step. - Does not cover diagnosing stroke using imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans, as it focuses on *in vitro* (blood sample) biomarker analysis. - Does not cover diagnosing other neurological conditions that might present with similar symptoms but are not strokes or TIAs. ## The clever bit The novelty lies in the specific two-step diagnostic process: first, using a defined combination of biomarkers to identify a stroke, and then, if a stroke is detected, using a different, specific set of biomarkers to differentiate between an ischemic stroke and a transient ischemic attack (TIA) by comparing to TIA-specific control values. ## Real-world examples 1. Emergency room diagnostic panels for suspected stroke patients 2. Point-of-care testing devices for rapid stroke assessment 3. Clinical laboratory tests for stroke differential diagnosis ## Why it matters Accurately and quickly diagnosing a stroke is critical because timely treatment can significantly reduce brain damage and improve patient outcomes. This patent offers a blood-based approach, which could potentially provide faster results than some imaging methods, especially in emergency settings. Distinguishing between an ischemic stroke and a TIA is also important for guiding subsequent treatment and prevention strategies. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Using Blood Markers to Diagnose Stroke and Tell Its Type cover? This patent describes a two-step method for diagnosing a stroke and then determining if it's an ischemic stroke or a transient ischemic attack (TIA) by measuring specific protein levels in a patient's blood. ### Who owns patent US 10914745? Randox Laboratories owns this patent, granted in 2021. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on March 13, 2037, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? Accurately and quickly diagnosing a stroke is critical because timely treatment can significantly reduce brain damage and improve patient outcomes. This patent offers a blood-based approach, which could potentially provide faster results than some imaging methods, especially in emergency settings. Distinguishing between an ischemic stroke and a TIA is also important for guiding subsequent treatment and prevention strategies. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover diagnosing stroke using only a single biomarker; at least two are required by claim 1. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10914745/biomarker-based-methods-for-aiding-the-diagnosis-of-stroke **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US10914745 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [Using a Blood Marker to Predict Concussion Risk and Severity](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12085565/sntf-is-a-blood-biomarker-for-the-diagnosis-and-prognosis-of-sports-related-conc) — This patent describes a method to diagnose and predict long-term issues from mild traumatic brain injury, like concussions, by measuring a specific protein fragment called SNTF in a blood sample. - [How Two Special Antibodies Find Substances in Body Fluids](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4376110/psa-test-for-prostate-cancer) — This patent describes a "sandwich" method using two highly specific, man-made antibodies to detect and measure tiny amounts of specific substances, like disease markers, in a fluid sample. - [How to Detect Disease Markers Using Colored Proteins](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4302536/colorimetric-immunoassay-process) — A 1981 method for measuring disease-related proteins in blood by attaching them to naturally colored proteins that can be detected with light. - [Detecting Genetic Differences Using DNA Probes and Enzymes](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/4683194/pcr-process) — This 1987 patent describes a method to find tiny differences in DNA sequences by using special DNA pieces (probes) and cutting enzymes, which can help diagnose genetic conditions like sickle cell anemia. - [How to Create Lab-Made Proteins That Stop Immune System Overreaction](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/6458360/hpv-vaccine-gardasil) — A method for creating custom proteins that act as 'brakes' for the body's immune system to prevent damage from excessive inflammation.