Comparison of the caffeine skinned fibre tension (CSFT) test with the caffeine-halothane contracture (CHC) test in the diagnosis of malignant hyperthermia.

We have compared and contrasted two diagnostic tests for Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) - the Caffeine-Halothane Contracture Test and the Caffeine Skinned Fibre Tension Test. Both tests show a strongly positive relationship both with the occurrence of MH reactions and with each other. The former test is more rapid and requires less skill. The latter test can be performed on much less muscle and permits storage of the muscle over prolonged periods of time.