The Plantar Test represents a remarkable advance in methodology, as it combines the best features of all other methods of measuring pain sensitivity. Unique to the Plantar Test, the animal is unrestrained during experiments. Unlike other models available on the market, time latency is recorded automatically by a fiber optic sensor, without having to rely on the experimenter observation of the animal behaviour, thus avoiding unwanted experimental bias.

The Plantar Test basically consists of a movable I.R. (infrared) generator placed below a glass pane upon which the operator deposits the rat, see picture. A Perspex enclosure defines the space within which the animal is unrestrained. It is divided in three compartments, which help the operator to carry out a rapid “screening” work: up to 12 animals can be tested with no appreciable delay in between.

Proprietary to our model is a specific filter, cutting off the visible part of the light spectrum, which would disturb the animal on test and provide an unwanted clue. A feedback circuit detects false starts. Data appear on the front panel and may be exported to a USB pen-drive, or to the PC via USB; both USB pen-drive and software are included in the standard package.

Data can be printed out on the optional panel-mount printer, or external MiniPrinter