The filament will move up to a centimeter to make contact, then hold the application force until the operator releases the button, or the animal moves. A range of forces may be set. The instrument comes with acrylic enclosures over the metal mesh floor. The animal is unrestrained, and may move about the enclosure. The researcher waits until the animal is stationary, positions the filament under the paw, and operates the button to perform the test.
Bilateral testing is possible.
Complete with the stimulator, controller and power unit, stand, and 3-animal enclosure. The researcher may set maximum force up to 30 grams. Alternatively, the researcher may choose to set the rate at which force increases over time, up to maximum force. These two options allow flexibility and resolution of even small differences in touch sensitivity.