A screening questionnaire for HAVS?
OBJECTIVE
To define the diagnostic power of simple questions most applicable for a hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) assessment screening questionnaire.


METHODS
Using a binary logistic regression we analysed 365 physician led HAVS health surveillance assessments to identify which questions could form the basis of a screening questionnaire.


RESULTS
Four sensorineural related questions regarding tingling and numbness in response to the cold and after using vibrating tools, and two vascular-related questions focusing on the patient's fingers going white on exposure to cold and numbness during an attack of whiteness were identified.


CONCLUSIONS
Questions of high sensitivity for screening subjects for the vascular and neurosensory components of HAVS were identified, which can be used to identify those requiring further clinical investigation and functional testing.
Elms
Joanne
J
J. Elms, Health & Safety Laboratory, Medical Unit, Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9JN, UK. joanne.elms@hsl.gov.uk
Poole
Kerry
K
Mason
Howard
H
D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013577:Syndrome; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects*