Quantification of blood clotting kinetics II: Thromboelastograph analysis and measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate using magnetoelastic sensors

We report on the development of a low cost, versatile diagnostic system capable of simultaneously performing a thromboelastograph (TEG) analysis and measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) for the detection of hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, polymyalgia rheumatica, temporal arteritis, and anemia. This diagnostic system is based on use of magnetoelastic sensors that, when excited by a magnetic field, resonate thereby generating a secondary magnetic detectable by a remotely located magnetic coil. By measuring changes in the resonance frequency and resonance amplitude of the sensor both liquid viscosity, and mass loading of the sensor, can be accurately determined. This allows the sensor to monitor real-time blood clotting kinetics as well as clot strength, hence perform a thromboelastograph analysis, as well as determine ESR by measuring mass loading of the sensor as associated with particle settling.