TIP THERM® / The Original Product information
Early detection of distal symmetric polyneuropathy by temperature sense – testing / prevention of diabetic foot.
The loss of temperature – discrimination in the lower extremities is the crucial early symptom of distal symmetric polyneuropathy, a typical concomitant disease of diabetes mellitus.
(Ziegler 1988).
Targeted search for this symptom will save time for prevention and treatment of the diabetic foot. Therefore, regular testing of the sense of temperature is a must for diabetic primary care.
Here and not on the subordinate levels of care, the decision on the further fate of a diabetic foot is made. The examination instrument, the examination itself and the motivation of the examiners must withstand the special conditions of everyday practice in primary care.
THE INSTRUMENT
TIP THERM® meets the requirements for the qualified temperature sense test. The instrument requires no external energy, is virtually indestructible, easy to handle and fits in every pocket.
The most important requirement, however, is fulfilled by the fact that TIP THERM® is validated (Spraul 1995). Due to its physical properties and geometric shape, the amazingly simple instrument ensures reproducible test results at ambient temperatures of up to 23 ° C.
THE INVESTIGATION PROCEDERE
The examiner places the two circular end faces of the instrument alternately and in an irregular sequence on the back of the patient’s foot and asks for the sensory impression: cold or less cold?
Optical control options by the patient are to be excluded.
Only correct answers suggest an intact temperature discrimination capability. Incorrect answers or uncertainties are to be understood as temperature sense – disturbance at the investigation site.
The patients can TIP THERM® also use as part of a self-control.
MOTIVATION OF THE EXAMINER
It has been shown that effective prevention of the diabetic foot can be carried out in a very simple manner, which has hitherto not been possible in this form. TIP THERM® is the instrument for that. Taking advantage of this opportunity means less skin infections, less pain, less amputations, and a better quality of life for all concerned.