Quantitative sensory testing (QST) is a method through which sensory nerve function is quantitatively measured, based on responses of the subject. The peripheral sensory nervous system responds to specific stimuli of specific modality and intensity in a specific manner, which is well-known through many decades of research into human sensation.

What information does QST provide?

Thermal QST provides information about the function of small diameter unmyelinated (C fibers) and thinly myelinated (A-delta fibers) nerve fibers for which no nerve conduction test, or other objective tests exist. Small fiber nerve damage can manifest itself in thermal hypoesthesia (raised perception thresholds) or hyperalgesia (lowered pain thresholds).

What added value does QST give?

QST, together with the clinical anamnesis, can solidify the diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy, by adding a quantitative measure to the patient's narrative

How is QST conducted?

Generally when using QST, a stimulus is offered and the subject stops it, as soon as the required level of sensation is achieved.

The mention of Dynamic QST often refers to measuring central nervous system pain processing, by applying a combination of (supra-threshold) pain stimuli and following the behavioral response along and after the stimuli application.

Medoc - for better science, for better diagnostics

30 years and counting: Medoc is a company you can trust

If you are looking for a trusted and established partner in research and clinical use you are in the right place. With over 30 years of experience, we are a globally recognized leader in the industry with gold standard devices for thermal QST. Our innovative products have been featured in thousands of scientific peer-reviewed publications and are relied on by researchers around the world.

Medoc at the European Pain Federation (EFIC) Congress in Dublin (2).webp

Ensuring your patient’s safety: exceeding safety requirements

For Medoc, safety is a top priority. All of our QST devices are designed and rigorously tested to ensure they are safe for use. With Medoc’s devices, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are using a product that meets and exceeds the highest safety standards in the market.

Our products are CE-certified, FDA-cleared medical devices, under Notified Body audits.

Our QST devices have passed the stringiest safety tests, including the IEC 60601-1 and IEC 60601-1- 2 safety and EMC standards, ISO 13485 quality system.

All of Medoc’ thermal devices can be externally checked for calibration and periodically re-calibrated if necessary. This ensures accurate and reliable data, in addition to enhanced safety for your patients.

Validation: an extensive pool of normative data collected with Medoc’s devices

Our products have been used in studies all over the globe, generating a wealth of evidence and normative data for diverse ethnicities, genders, and age groups. Whether you're conducting groundbreaking research or seeking to optimize your clinical practice, Medoc's devices are the ideal choice for data-driven results that you can trust.

Tailored solutions for modern challenges: the power of flexible and experience-based software

Medoc's QST devices come with standard protocols and the flexibility to create and adjust protocols to meet your unique needs and research questions. The software is highly customizable, with 30 years of experience and customer feedback informing the development of tailored stimulation protocols. It can be as complicated or as simple as you need it to be.

Medoc's devices can communicate with other devices, such as MRI scanners and EEGs, using TTL in and out signals to trigger and synchronize data.

TSA2 and TSA2 Air also include an integrated external control feature that allows third-party programming languages, such as MATLAB and E-Prime, to control the device through software. This advanced capability enables seamless integration of Medoc devices into complex, multi-modality research protocols.

Raising the bar: achieving superior performance

Medoc’s Thermodes are designed with a continuous stimulation surface that delivers precise stimulation across the entire contact area with the skin, catching all receptors below the surface. Our TSA2 has been successfully tested and is in use in T3 and T7 MRI environments.

Medoc's TSA2, TSA2 Air and Q-Sense devices can perform Limits, Levels, Ramp-and-Hold functions with high precision and stability across their entire temperature range. Low ranges down to 0°C can also be reached, thanks to a patented cooling system.

Medoc's QST devices are equally accurate and stable at both very slow and very fast rates.

TSA2 is capable of providing pulses for phasic Temporal Summation and other challenging protocols. Additionally, the TSA2 is easily upgradable to any configuration, including CHEPS and Dual-thermode setups.

Exceeding expectations: providing high-quality service

Medoc has a global network of experienced and highly technical distributors who offer prompt local service to meet tight research timelines. Medoc's distributors prioritize customer needs and can provide local on-site service and support with no delays to ensure uninterrupted data collection.

Medoc's technical service and R&D teams are readily available to help with any technical questions are highly attentive to customer’s needs and feedback.

Medoc has a strong reputation in research and offers a dedicated scientific department to support you with queries related to normative data, protocols, and previous research in various patient groups and research areas.