Plantar Test Apparatus (Hargreaves Test Method)
6 Rats and 12 Mice standard

The Plantar Test (Hargreaves method) is used for the paw withdrawal test (thermal hyperalgesia testing) the use of visible light in our systems is favorable to the infrared light; since one will not always know when the test subject will react. These Plantar test systems prevent false starts and stops for the above reason.

• No clicking noises that precondition animals
• Humane cut-off feature, set by user
• Adjustable beam intensity in 1% increments
• Manual override of all timer functions
• Easy keypad entry of all data
• Unrestrained animals
• Heated glass option only from IITC Life Science
• RS232 Standard
• Printer output standard
• Footswitch standard
• Software for data collection (optional)
• Thermal printer (optional)

The IITC Plantar Test Analgesia Meter for paw withdrawal latency on mice, rats and other animals (cats, rabbits) used to test the properties of narcotic and stronger non-narcotic drugs on unrestrained mice and rats. The test is made on the plantar surface of rodents by a focused, radiant heat light source which emits from the test head. The test head is placed under a tempered glass surface and slides on top of the supplied base with Teflon balls to the desired position. The light beam is focused to the top of the glass and creates a 4X6mm intense spot on the paw. Prior to testing there is a “guide” light to assist in directing the beam to the precise spot. An adjustable angled mirror is mounted on top of the test head to help the operator to view the paw without constant bending. The use of visible light compares favorably with an infrared light source since the user does not always know exactly where the test will start, this causes false starts and conditioning of animals.

Mirror for sight alignment on animal subject

All functions and parameters are entered via the Key-pad:

1. Animal number, allows the user to enter a two digit ID number so that the animal can be tracked.
2. Active Intensity, is the intensity of the stimulation light during any given test being done. From 0% to 100% light intensity(brightness).
3. Idle Intensity, This is the intensity of the stimulation light during the ready state. 0% to 100% light intensity (brightness).
4. Cutoff time, length of time from the start of the test until the unit will automatically end the test, from 0 (Off) to 99 seconds. This feature prevents the tissue damage.
5. Time of Day, time is entered
6. Date, date is entered

The instrument has a built-in timer which displays the reaction time in .01 second incre-ments. A push-button mounted into the handle of the test head allowing the operator to stop the test cycle, thus eliminating false triggering. A sturdy, acrylic animal enclosure is placed on top of the glass and has room for six rats at a time and twelve for mice. The height of the glass is adjust-able and thereby the focal point of the light is adjustable allowing to stimulate other body parts. A Humane cut-off timer is standard. The unit can be preset for a cut-off period, at the end of which the light beam is shut off automatically if the animal has not responded, avoiding any tissue damage. The test head is silent without emitting any clicking or whining noises as reported on comparable units during heat cycles. Built-in heating elements can be supplied on the glass. The suffix G is added to the model number. A small controller keeps the temperature constant between 34-50 deg. C. This option eliminates the objection of the glass acting as a heat sink. A footswitch is supplied and allows the start of the test and the reset of the readout as well as the start, stop and reset button on the front panel.

Part #

390 Plantar Test (Hargreaves test)
390G Plantar Test (Hargreaves test) with heated glass option

Two Year Warranty and CE Certified

Dimensions:
17" X 17" X 5.25"
Base 36" X 15.75" X 3.25" (Heated)
Base 36" X 15.25" X 5" (Non-Heated)
Glass 35.625" X 14" X .25"
Animal Enclosure 27" X 8.625" X 5"

Partial List of Literature References: