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Image Acquisitionand Proces

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<strong>Image</strong> Analysis 189<br />

7.5 USER SOLUTION: AUTOMATED<br />

INSTRUMENTATION FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF<br />

PERIPHERAL VASCULAR FUNCTION<br />

Anne M. BrumÞeld and Aaron W. Schopper<br />

National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health<br />

1095 Willowdale Road<br />

Morgantown, WV 26505-2888<br />

Tel 304-285-6312/Fax 304-285-6265<br />

Email: Znr1@cdc.gov<br />

Methods for quantifying the injurious effects of vibration are a major focus for those<br />

evaluating hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) in the workplace. The physiologic<br />

changes in the microcirculation that occur following vibration exposure are not well<br />

understood; therefore, methods for evaluating blood ßow in exposed worker populations<br />

are of particular interest.<br />

FIGURE 7.35 Initial user interface.<br />

A nail press test (Figure 7.35) has been used by clinicians to assess peripheral circulatory<br />

function. Following a 10-second press of the Þngernail, a visual determination<br />

of the rate of blood ßow return is made, as evidenced by the return of color to the<br />

Þngernail. Of a qualitative and subjective nature, the test has been deemed most<br />

meaningful when used as one among several in a battery of health effect assessment<br />

tests. 1,2 New instrumentation representing an automated version of the nail press has<br />

1<br />

Olsen, N. (2002). Diagnostic aspects of vibration-induced white Þnger. Int. Arch. Occup. Environ.<br />

Health, 75: 6–13.<br />

2<br />

Harada, N. (1987). Esthesiometry, nail compression and other function tests used in Japan for evaluating<br />

the hand–arm vibration syndrome. Scand. J. Work Environ. Health, 13: 330–333.

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