Automated Point-Of-Care Nerve Conduction Tests

Portable devices have been developed to provide point-of-care (POC) nerve conductions studies (NCSs). These devices have computational algorithms thatcandrive stimulus delivery, measure and analyze the response, and report study results. Automated nerve conduction couldbe usedin various settings, including primary care, without the need for specialized training or equipment. For individuals who have entrapment carpal tunnel syndrome who received automated POC NCSs, the evidence includes studies on the diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcomes from industry-sponsored trials, nonrandomized trials, and registry data. Relevant outcomesare testaccuracy and validity, symptoms, and functional outcomes. Four RCTs have reported on the diagnostic accuracy of automated POC nerve conduction testing to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. Sensitivity testing has suggested there could be diagnostic value in detecting carpal tunnel syndrome; specificity testing was inconsistent across trials. No reference ranges werevalidated,and normative valueswere not definedin these studies. No validation testing by trained medical assistantsvstrained specialistwas reportedin the studies. The evidence on clinical outcomes is limited to a single nonrandomized clinical trial and NeuroMetrix registry data. Neither reported health outcomes assessing patient symptoms or changes in functional status. The evidence is insufficient to determine the effects of the technology on health outcomes. For individuals with lumbosacral radiculopathy who received automated POC NCSs, the evidence includes industry-sponsored trials and a nonrandomized study of diagnostic accuracy. Relevant outcomesare testaccuracy and validity, symptoms, and functional outcomes. The evidence onthediagnostic accuracy of POC NCS in this population has shown variable test results across reported trials. No normative valueswere defined. Weaknesses of the studies included lack of applicable or valid reference ranges for testing, and variable test results validating or confirming pathology. The results of the2studies on diagnostic performance were inconclusive, with high false-positive results in a single trial. No trials on health outcomes assessing patient symptoms or changes in functional statuswere identified. The evidence is insufficient to determine the effects of the technology on health outcomes. For individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy who received automated POC NCSs, the evidence includes industry-sponsored observational trials and nonrandomized studies on the diagnostic accuracy.Relevant outcomesare testaccuracy and validity, symptoms, andfunctional outcomes. Of 3studies reporting evidence on diagnostic accuracy, two used NC-stat DPNCheck. Sensitivity testing has suggested there could be diagnostic value in detecting diabetic peripheral neuropathy in symptomatic patients; the evidence to detect patients whoare suspectedof disease but who have mild symptoms was inconsistent. No reference ranges werevalidated,and normative valueswere not definedin 2 of the3studies. No validation testing by trained medical assistantsvstrained specialistwas reportedin the studies. No trials on health outcomes assessing patient symptoms or changes in functional statuswere identified. The evidence is insufficient to determine the effects of the technology on health outcomes. <a id="