Esthesiometer

Am esthesiometer (British spelling aesthesiometer} is a device for measuring the tactile sensitivity of the skin. The measure of the degree of tactile sensitivity is called aesthesiometry.

There are different types of aesthesiometers depending on their particular function. The simplest is a manual tool with adjustable points similar to a caliper. It can determine how short a distance between two impressions on the skin can be distinguished. A scale on the instrument gives readings in millimeter gradients.

Another type of manual aesthesiometer is used to test lower thresholds of touch or pain. The tool uses nylon monofilaments with varying calibrated diameters. The force needed to cause the monofilament to "buckle" determines the tactile reading. The filaments are calibrated at gram/mm2 pressure ratings.

An non-intrusive device called a corneal aesthesiometer is used to test cornea nerve sensitivity by using a controlled pulse of air as stimulation. The device gives readouts in millibars. Also, a thermal aesthesiometer is used to determinine sensitivity of thermal stimuli.

External Sites:
 * A Von Frey "Classic" Aesthesiometer
 * Information about a Corneal Aesthesiometer
 * Data Specs of a Computerized Thermal Aesthesiometer