What is a SUDOSCAN?
SUDOSCAN is a patented technology that evaluates sweat gland function through a process called Sudorimetry. SUDOSCAN measures the ability of the sweat glands to release chloride ions in response to a small electrical stimulus on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
SUDOSCAN's focus on the small nerve fibers within the autonomic nervous system, and their ability to quickly regenerate allows for the monitoring of disease progression and can help gauge if your treatment plan is right for you.
How does it work?
A small electrical current is applied to both hands and foot sensor plates. The chloride ion conductance is quantified and acts as a biomarker to assess the activity of the sweat glands and the small nerve fibers that activate them.
The amount of observed asymmetry between right and left sides helps identify the type of peripheral neuropathy when utilized in conjunction with other testing parameters.
What information does SUDOSCAN provide?
Patient results will automatically generate after the completion of each scan. Measured conductance values and % asymmetry between right and left side are quantified. This information is used to determine whether or not a patient's small nerve fibers have been affected.
Your physician can utilize this information to complement findings from their examination when Peripheral Autonomic or Small Fiber Neuropathy is suspected. The test may need to be repeated at a later date if your medical condition changes and/or progressive SNF is suspected.
Why is it important to identify a Small Fiber Neuropathy?
Small Fiber Neuropathy (SNF) damages the thinnest, smallest nerves of the body. Damages to these sensory or automatic nerves can cause pain, burning inability to sense hot or cold and dry skin on the hands or feet. Causes of SNF are many; early detection is important because:
- Many SNF can completely resolve if they are identified and treated early.
- Treatment is very different if SNG is progressive (nerve damage is ongoing) or non-progressive (nerve damage occurred in the past).
- Assessment of peripheral autonomic nerves may identify patients at high risk for cardiac autonomic neuropathy, which is a potentially life-threatening condition.
SUDOSCAN frequently asked questions
Q: How long will the scan take?
A: Less than 3 minutes.
Q: Is the scan painful?
A: No. At most, some patients have experienced a slight tingling sensation on either the palms of their hands or soles of their feet.
Q: Do I need to prepare for the scan?
A: No preparation is needed. A patient only has to remove lotion from their hands and/or feet, if applied.
Q: Does age or gender play a factor with my scan results?
A: No.
Q: Do either high or low amounts of sweating affect my scan results?
A: No. SUDOSCAN measures chloride conductance by an electrochemical reaction. The actual volume of sweat does not impact the test result.
Q: Is SUDOSCAN the same as a Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)?
A: No. SUDOSCAN measures the function of the small nerve that activates the sweat gland. Nerve conduction studies measure large nerve fibers.
Q: Will exercise immediately before a scan impact my test results?
A: No. Studies have confirmed that SUDOSCAN measurements are not affected by exercise and subsequent increase in sweat rate.
Q: Is Sudorimetry the same as a punch skin biopsy?
A: No. SUDOSCAN non-invasively measures the function of the small nerves that activate sweat glands. A skin biopsy requires a physical specimen to be collected and read by a reference lab.