Elitech NANODUCT 1030 User Manual page 31

Section 3: Sweat Induction and Analysis
4 Clean Selected Skin Areas
Select the anodic (positive) skin site for the greatest density of sweat glands.
The site must be well-removed from the wrist where movement of tendons or
ligaments could possibly affect the stability of the attached units. In neonates, the
optimum site is the flexor aspect of the forearm, approximately halfway between
wrist and elbow. The cathodic (negative) electrode site is not as critical, place it
an inch or two from the anode in the direction of the elbow.
WARNING!
Never place electrodes across the chest or on opposite limbs. Even though
the DC iontophoretic current is extremely low, there is a very remote risk of
interference with cardiac rhythms.
Inspect the selected sites. The skin should be free of breaks, fissures, and
any structural abnormality. The area should be wrinkle free and as hairless
as possible. There should be no inflammation or signs of eczema. Apart from
exacerbating the complaint, there is always the possibility of contamination of the
sweat by serous exudates.
To minimize the electrical impedance (resistance) of the skin, remove as much
dead epithelial material, dirt and fatty substances as possible by swabbing the
area vigorously with surgical alcohol, followed by plenty of distilled or deionized
water. Then totally remove the excess water.
5 Attach the Holders
NOTE: ELITechGroup provides perforated non-latex elastic straps of different
lengths to fit infants, older children and adults.
WARNING!
Watch for any signs of interference with blood circulation in the limb, such
as cyanosis, swelling, or unusual pallor, and discontinue the test on that
limb if any of those conditions should occur.
To save time, pre-arrange strap holder assemblies to fit varying sizes of patients.
Select the red holder and attach a rubber strap of appropriate size as follows:
A. Attach the strap to one side of the holder by inserting it, from below,
through the holder slit, and down to form a small loop. Align two perforations
in this loop and push a strap retainer post through the aligned holes such
that the post points away from the patient's arm. (In use, the flat retainer
base should rest against the skin of the patient.)
B. Run the free end of the strap through the opposite slit from below. Hold
this loop open as you run the arm of the patient up through the loop.
C. Place the holder precisely over the cleaned skin site selected for sweat
stimulation and hold it down while drawing the free end of the strap down
and around the arm. Pull the strap to tighten, stretching slightly and affix it
to the retainer post.
D. Grip the holder and lift it briefly above the skin to equalize strap tension
on each side of the holder, then replace it on the skin surface. Adjust strap
tension as needed to ensure correct contact.
NOTE: Attach the strap firmly, but avoid excessive tightness. Correctly applied,
the holder should grip the skin firmly enough to resist moderately forceful
attempts to change its position. The surrounding skin areas should move with the
holder when it is moved.
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