A conclusive multi-center study to be presented at the upcoming German Pain Meeting validates of the Q-Sense thermal testing device, confirming the applicability of existing normative data.
Thermal QST is a reliable method for small fiber assessment and an essential part of the DFNS protocol. While the TSA-II device has been the gold standard for thermal sensory testing for the last two decades, the Q-Sense, launched in 2012 is an easy-to-use, small, thermal QST device, designed for clinical setup. This multi-center study aimed to compare the Q-Sense device to the well-established TSA-II thermal-testing device. Warm and cold detection thresholds were assessed in healthy subjects as well as in diabetes mellitus patients. The thermal testing was performed according to the DFNS protocol, for two consecutive days at the same time in the foot of the dominant side or the more affected side. The order of testing devices was randomized and blinded. In addition an agar hand phantom was used to compare the temperature profile of both devices.
The results of the study demonstrate similar results for both warm and cold detection thresholds in healthy subjects. For diabetic patients there was a significant correlation between the results of both devices. Testing on the agar hand phantom also revealed the similarity between the temperature change rates.
The study demonstrates that the Q-Sense device is comparable to the TSA-II and concludes that the normative data collected for TSA-II over the years is applicable for Q-Sense for the detection of sensory loss both for warm and for cold detection threshold modalities.
TSA-II – NeuroSensory Analyzer is a precise, computer-controlled device capable of generating and documenting response to highly repeatable thermal and vibratory stimuli, such as warmth, cold, heat-induced pain, cold-induced pain or vibration.
Q-Sense – Small-fiber Test is a portable, easy-to-use system, which offers a scientifically validated measure of warm, cool and heat-pain thermal sensory thresholds, all clinically useful determinants in the evaluation of neuropathic pain, diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapeutic and other small-fiber neuropathies.