NeuroMetrix Inc, a health-care company, announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued US patent number 9,173,581 covering the core technology deployed in the DPNCheck device.

The claims cover the novel integrated design of the hand-held DPNCheck device that enables accurate and rapid measurement of sural nerve conduction, which is a standard neuropathy biomarker. Additional claims cover the automation algorithms and biosensors.

This patent further establishes the leadership position of the company in offering easy-to-use, automated and accurate point-of-care neuropathy testing.

DPNCheck is a quantitative nerve conduction test that is used by physicians and health care professionals to evaluate systemic neuropathies such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy, or DPN. It is designed to be used at the point-of-care to objectively detect, stage, and monitor DPN. The device measures nerve conduction velocity and response amplitude of the sural nerve, a nerve in the lower leg and ankle. These parameters are recognized as sensitive and specific biomarkers of DPN.