The Medi-Dx 7000: Truth or Fiction?
Claim:
The Medi-Dx literature claims that it performs a test that is
functionally identical to the procedures performed with Neurometer®
CPT devices.
Actual stimulus output waveforms produced by each device set for a 2000 Hz. 1.50mA. output into a 5000 Ohm load to simulate skin inpedance. The Neurometer CPT/C produced a sinwave with a peak at 1.50mA. The Medi-Dx 7000 produced an undefined waveform with a peak at 0.44mA. See the Engineering Report for additional details and examples.
Truth #1:
Neurotron, Incorporated invented and defined CPT testing with the introduction of the first Neurometer® CPT device in 1986. Neurometer® CPT testing has always been performed using three constant current, neuroselective, sinusoidal waveform electrical stimuli and a forced choice procedure to determine neuroselective Current Perception Threshold (CPT) values. The neuroselective properties of the three stimuli independently evaluate large myelinated, small myelinated and unmyelinated sensory nerve fibers.
The Medi-Dx device does not produce neuroselective sinusoidal electrical stimuli. It produces undefined asymmetric waveforms with no known neuroselective properties.
Truth #2:
Neurometer® CPT devices produce a constant current output so that measures are accurate, reliable, and unaffected by variations in skin impedance. (See engineering report.)
The Medi-Dx 7000 does not produce a constant current output so it is impossible to determine the true current output level of a test. Current output levels of the Medi-Dx device are severely distorted by skin impedance.
Truth #3:
Neurometer® CPT sensory threshold determinations are made using automated double-blinded forced choice examination procedures in order to produce accurate, repeatable and reliable results.
The Medi-Dx uses a manual, single blind test of stimulus recognition with no documented reliability that is incapable of measuring true sensory thresholds.
Truth #4:
The claims that Neurotron makes about the clinical utility of the Neurometer® CPT procedure are based upon nearly 300 peer reviewed articles published since 1985 reporting use of our equipment. (See bibliography page.)
Medi-Dx fraudulently cites references to studies conducted with Neurometer® CPT devices as if they were applicable to procedures performed with the Medi-Dx. They also refer people to Neurotron's web site for additional information about those studies. The truth is that there haven't been any peer reviewed studies published that examine or validate the type of test the Medi-Dx device performs.
Truth #5:
The only TRUE choice for determining CPT measures is Neurometer® CPT equipment from Neurotron, Inc.