Different Conditions of Cold Water Immersion Test for Diagnosing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome

ABSTRACT

The cold water immersion test with finger skin temperature (FST) measurement is used to assess vascular disorders in hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). The test method is currently being standardized within the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in which a water temperature of 12°C for 5 min of hand immersion and an option of using a waterproof hand covering during immersion are proposed. It is necessary to evaluate the diagnostic significance of the test with FST measurement under different conditions to provide a proper management of HAVS patients. The aim of this article is to review research findings of this test with FST measurement and discuss test conditions influencing the results and diagnostic significance. Different conditions were employed, and the test results were shown to be influenced by water temperature, immersion time and other conditions such as room temperature, season, ischemia during immersion, and evaluation parameters. These factors need to be considered in the standardization of the cold water immersion test with FST measurement. It has been mentioned that a high water temperature, a short immersion time and other conditions should be chosen to expose a subject to minimal suffering during the test. A water temperature between 10°C and 15°C and a 5 min immersion might be suitable for the cold water immersion test. The reported sensitivity and specificity evaluating rewarming to the initial temperature for the test using a water temperature of 12°C and a 3 min immersion are 58% and 100%, respectively; these are low but similar to those for the water immersion test at 10°C. Therefore, the proposed cold water immersion test at 12°C for 5 min by the ISO (Draft International Standard) is the focus of much interest, and further studies are needed to obtain sufficient data for evaluating the diagnostic significance of the test. At present, the test needs to be used together with a test battery.