Monofilament 10g - Nylon Material, Rectangular Shape, Medical Grade Testing Device | Disposable, Easy To Use For Diabetic Neuropathy Sensation Loss Measurement

One of the frequent causes of non-traumatic lower-limb amputation is Diabetes which is usually preceded by foot ulcer and infection. The reason for this ulceration is commonly a loss of protective sensation due to peripheral neuropathy, for which there is no prevention strategy. Current research promotes early detection of neuropathy so that secondary prevention measures, such as intensive foot-care education and treatment, can be used for individuals.
To standardize and simplify the detection of insensate foot, the 5.07/10-gm Monofilament is recommended by the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization as a device that can be used by health professionals at every level of care.

Health care providers can lower the incidence of lower extremity amputation by using a Semmes-Weinstein 10gm monofilament to identify protective sensation loss and quickly take measures to prevent ulceration. Monofilaments are an effective, convenient, easy-to-use, relatively inexpensive way of testing for loss of protective sensation in the feet in daily clinical practice.

Used to measure the loss of protective touch sense while testing for diabetic neuropathy.

The Longevity and recovery testing suggest that the life of each monofilament can be extended after testing on 10 patients by leaving it to recover for 24 hours before further use. Worldwide research indicated testing from 2 to 10 sites per foot with monofilaments and we recommend testing at least 6 per foot.

How to use the 10g Monofilament?
oBend the monofilament a couple of times before using it every day to remove any residual stiffness.
oExplain to the patient about the test and requirements and apply the monofilament to a sensitive area of skin. We recommend to test inside of forearm.
oAsk the patient to close their eyes and say a yesa every time they feel the touch in their feet no matter how lightly they perceive the touch.
oPlace the monofilament at perpendicular to the skin surface and slowly push the monofilament until it bents. Do not jab the skin with the monofilament.
oHold the monofilament in this position for 1-2 seconds and then slowly release the pressure, until the monofilament is straight.
oRepeat this for all testing sites on both feet and record your findings. During the test when the patient does not respond at a site, repeat the test a few more times and still no response then records as negative.