A comparison between disposable and reusable single fiber needle electrodes in relation to stimulated single fiber studies.

OBJECTIVE

To compare disposable and reusable single fiber needle recordings in relation to stimulated single fiber studies.

METHODS

At least 10 potentials were sampled using each needle type from each patient with a minimum of 20 sampled potentials per patient. For successive patients either a disposable or reusable electrode was used first to remove effects of adaptation or fatigue.

RESULTS

Eighteen patients were prospectively recruited. No significant difference was found between disposable and reusable needle use with respect to mean consecutive difference with mean values (± standard deviation) of 25.29 ± 18.56 and 23.64 ± 16.80, respectively (p>0.05). With regards to amplitude there was a significant difference between the two types with the biggest potentials recorded with disposable (339.85 ± 236.45) compared to reusable needles (248.23 ± 196.43) (p<0.001). More potentials were obtained with disposable (2.73 ± 1.29) compared to reusable needles (2.33 ± 1.11) per acquisition run with the difference being statistically significant (0.01<p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Disposable single fibre needle electrodes obtained MCD values were comparable to those obtained with reusable single fibre needle electrodes but the amplitudes of the potentials were higher. The greater number of potentials obtained per acquisition run means that the examination can be performed quicker.

SIGNIFICANCE: Disposable single fiber needle use avoids the risk of prion infections and performs better than reusable needles.