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Where do you test
only the tip of each finger
how many attempts
10 on each area
Where do you start mm?
5mm or 6mm
where should prongs face
parallel to the long axis of finger
procedure
• Use a device such as the Disk-Criminator or a Boley gauge with blunt testing ends (Fig. 23.11).
• Test only the volar tip of each finger because the fingertip is the primary area of the hand used for exploration of objects and the location of the majority of nerve endings.
• Begin with a distance of 6 mm between the testing points.
• Randomly test by depressing either a single point or two points spread to the testing distance on the radial and ulnar aspects of each finger. Apply testing points parallel to the longitudinal axis of the finger so that the adjacent digital nerve is not stimulated (Fig. 23.12).
• Apply pressure lightly; stop just when the skin begins to minimally deform.
• If the client is unable to accurately determine the difference between a single point and two points, widen the gauge by 1 mm. Continue widening the gauge until the client is able to accurately detect a single point versus two points or demonstrates “protective sensation only” or an “anesthetic area” (see Scoring section later).
widen by 1mm increments to
identify smallest distance perceived
normal score
1-5mm
fair score
6-10mm
poor
11-15 mm
can only perceive one point means
protective sensation only
anesthetic:
no points perceived
