title: Thermal sensitivity tester. Device for quantitative assessment of thermal sense in diabetic neuropathy.
abstract: The Thermal Sensitivity Tester (TST) is a portable device designed to quantify the ability to discriminate small differences in temperature at the distal extremities of the hands and feet. The testing surfaces are two identical nickel-coated copper plates, which can be set and maintained over a wide range of temperature levels. The threshold for detecting the colder surface is determined using a two-alternative, forced-choice algorithm. The mean threshold in the normal population is 0.67 degree C and 1.01 degree C for the index finger and great toe, respectively. The TST is especially useful in diabetic neuropathy and for rapid screening of large populations under field conditions.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003929:Diabetic Neuropathies / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013697:Thermosensing / Q000502:physiology*