Technical and clinical performance of the thermo ‐test device “Q‐Sense” to assess small fibre function: A head‐to‐head comparison with the “Thermal Sensory Analyzer” TSA in diabetic patients and healthy volunteers

ConclusionsPhysical characteristics of both thermo ‐test devices are similarly limited by the poor temperature conduction of the skin. The Q‐Sense is useful for thermal detection thresholds but of limited use for pain thresholds. For full clinical use, the lower cut‐off temperature should be set to ≤18°C.SignificanceHigh purchase costs prevent a widespread use of thermo ‐test devices for diagnosing small fibre neuropathy. The air‐cooled “Q‐Sense” could be a lower cost alternative, but its technical/clinical performance needs to be assessed because of its restricted cut‐off for cooling (20°C). This study provides critical information on the physical cha racteristics and the clinical validity/reliability of the Q‐Sense compared to the “Thermal Sensory Analyzer” (TSA). We recommend lowering the cut‐off value of the Q‐Sense to ≤18°C for its full clinical use.
Source: European Journal of Pain - Category: Anesthesiology Authors: Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research