Ipswich Touch Test
Purpose[edit | edit source]
The Ipswich Touch Test (IpTT) was developed by Rayman et al. in 2011 to aid in the assessment of foot sensation among diabetic inpatients. It is a quick and simple test with no equipment required for screening of patients who are at risk of foot ulceration.[1]
Technique[edit | edit source]
- Instruct patient to close eyes and say “yes” whenever the touch on a toe is felt.
- Lightly touch/rest the tip of the index finger for 1–2 seconds on the tips of the first, third, and fifth toes of the patient.
- Do not push, prod, tap, or poke because this may elicit a sensation other than light touch.
- Repeat it on the other foot.
Scoring:
- 0/6 is a poor score
- 6/6 is a good score
- <4/6 indicates neuropathy
Evidence[edit | edit source]
Reliability[edit | edit source]
According to Rayman et al., interoperator reproducibility for the IpTT was substantial (κ=0.68).[1]
Validity[edit | edit source]
When compared with the most widely used screening instrument for diabetics' loss of protective sensation in the foot, 10-g monofilament, the IpTT was found to have:[1]
- 76% sensitivity
- 90% specificity
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Rayman G, Vas PR, Baker N, Taylor Jr CG, Gooday C, Alder AI, Donohoe M. The Ipswich Touch Test: a simple and novel method to identify inpatients with diabetes at risk of foot ulceration. Diabetes care. 2011 Jul 1;34(7):1517-8.
- ↑ Academy of Physical Medicine. Ipswich Touch Test for Peripheral Neuropathy | Osteopathic and Chiropractic CPD. Available from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4z7Yj1vQGU [last accessed 23/03/2023]
