WEST-hand™
The WEST-hand™ is a ten-sensation level, five Softip monofilaments, calibrated-for-applied-force esthesiometer. The WEST-hand™ permits the tracking of the onset and resolution of insensitivity. The patented Softip monofilaments better reflect diabetic neuropathy, because they stimulate without the sharpness of the common monofilaments.
By the way, ever wonder, if the WEST-hand™ has only five Softip monofilaments, then how does it test at all those levels? By threshold we mean the 50% detection level at near 0% false positives. So if the patient reports the application of 4 g half of the time, then 4 g is threshold. But if the patient always reports 4 g and never reports 2 g, then the threshold is somewhere between those two values. Therefore, we estimated threshold at the average of 4 and 2, i.e., 3 g. The Rapid Threshold Procedure quickly estimates threshold with the WEST-hand.
The WEST-hand™ comes with a manual, a testing form, a clicker to indicate the interval of potential stimulation, and a soft case.
You can copy the Tactile Test for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome using the WEST-hand™ from our articles section. That test presents an alternative testing strategy that may enable you to detect malingerers.
Key Benefits
- Softip accuracy: pain is not used as an invalid cue, therefore, you get more sensitive evaluations
- 100% calibrated (each monofilament is calibrated by measuring the force it applies when placed on an artificial foot; Connecticut Bioinstruments accepts forces to within 15% of published values).
- Damage resistant (when the monofilaments are "in line" the instrument is very resistant to damage -- 1 year "fix-it-free" given (but even after that, it is inexpensively repaired, as needed)
- WEST-hand™ was ranked best in this study: Jerosch-Herold C. A study of the relative responsiveness of five sensibility tests for assessment of recovery after median nerve injury and repair. J Hand Surg [Br]. 2003 Jun;28(3):255-60
WEST-foot™
The WEST-foot™ has evolved over the years. Originally, its least force was 0.07 g, but when that value was found not to be useful, Connecticut Bioinstruments™ changed the least force to 0.5 g, recalling the in-the-field instruments for a free upgrade. More recently, the greatest force was changed from 200g to 220g, a subtle change. Like the WEST-hand™ , the WEST-foot™ uses five Softip monofilaments to generate one of eleven possible outcomes with the Rapid threshold Procedure.
Key Benefits
- Tests for normal sensation (0.5 g)
- Tests for reduced sensation (2 g)
- Tests for loss of protective sensation (10 g)
- Tests for residual levels of sensation (50 g, 220g)
WEST-D™
The WEST-D™ is an eleven-sensation level, five Softip monofilaments, calibrated for applied-force esthesiometer. The WEST-D™ permits the tracking of the onset and resolution of insensitivity. The patented Softip monofilaments more sensitively reflect common neuropathy, because they stimulate without the sharpness of the common monofilaments.
By the way, ever wonder, if the WEST-D™ has only five Softip monofilaments, then how does it test at all those levels?" By threshold we mean the 50% detection level at near 0% false positives. Therefore, if the patient reports the application of 10 g half of the time, then 10g is threshold. But if the patient always reports 10 g and never reports 2 g, then the threshold is somewhere between those two values. In that case, we estimate at the average of 10 and 2, i.e., 6 g. The Rapid Threshold Procedure quickly estimates threshold with the WEST-D™.
The WEST-D™ comes with a manual, a soft case, and a clicker to mark the interval of potential stimulation (use the clicker with the Rapid Threshold Procedure.)
Key Benefits
- Patented Softip design
- Patented 5-on-1 handle (5 Softip monofilaments on one handle)
- Use Rapid Threshold Procedure to get one of 11 possible outcomes quickly
- Force range from 0.25 to 10.0 g
WEST-GOG™ & WEST-face™ II
WEST-GOG™ is a ten Softip-monofilament esthesiometer (sensory nerve tester): Forces range from 0.5 to 200 g. It has been used in NCI/NIH-sponsored research concerning the lower extremities. Can be used with the Rapid Threshold Procedure to produce one of 21 possible sensory outcomes. Comes with case, 1-year-fix-it-free coverage, clicker and instructions.
WEST-face™ II: A ten Softip-monofilament esthesiometer with forces ranging from normal face to loss of protective sensation. Comes with case, clicker, manual and 1-year fix-it-free.
CT-BIO™ LOPS/LEAP 10G & Advertising Monofilaments
CT-Bio™ 10g LOPS/LEAP Testor comes with the Softip monofilament extended for testing. The CT-Bio™ handle has the monofilament fold down for safe keeping. The handle is flexibly soft. The CT-Bio™ LOPS/LEAP model comes standard with a Softip monofilament.
Advertising Monofilaments allow you to place your message on the two-sided billboard handle. Standard format is common tip. Case available. Request a free quote. Image is around 2X1 inches. Product weighs about 10g (when loaded with a common monofilament).
Key Benefits
- Each monofilament is calibrated to produce the specific force within error margins (usually 15%; can do 10% upon request)
- Softip monofilaments more sensitively uncover common neuropathies (from causes metabolic, laceration, or compression -- the large-axonal neuropathies).
- Semi-permanent (image will never rub off, nor will the plastic handle crumble in your hand as cardboard is want to do after a while).
- 100% calibration -- each monofilament is pushed against an artificial foot to measure its applied force (10g +/- 15%).
