Key result
Quantitative, noninvasive autonomic nervous system testing requires careful patient preparation and specialized technologist training to ensure standardized and reproducible results.
Provides an overview of the clinical autonomic laboratory, detailing the quantitative and noninvasive tests used to evaluate the autonomic nervous system.
Standardized preparation and training are essential for valid autonomic testing; leaves open optimal implementation across centers.
.The autonomic nervous system can now be studied quantitatively, noninvasively, and reproducibly in a clinical autonomic laboratory. The approach at the Mayo Clinic is to study the postganglionic sympathetic nerve fibers of peripheral nerve (using the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test [QSART]), the parasympathetic nerves to the heart (cardiovagal tests), and the regulation of blood pressure by the baroreflexes (adrenergic tests). Patient preparation is extremely important, since the state of the patient influences the results of autonomic function tests. The autonomic technologist in this evolving field needs to have a solid core of knowledge of autonomic physiology and autonomic function tests, followed by training in the performance of these tests in a standardized fashion. The range and utilization of tests of autonomic function will likely continue to evolve.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Low et al. (1999) reported a review. Autonomic function tests was evaluated. Quantitative, noninvasive autonomic nervous system testing requires careful patient preparation and specialized technologist training to ensure standardized and reproducible results.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: