The system uses a heat stimulus lamp and records the time for the subject to flick or withdraw in response. By measuring this sensory response, the system offers a reliable method for evaluating pain perception, thermal pain thresholds, and the effectiveness of analgesic treatments. It is an essential tool for researchers studying pain sensitivity, analgesia, and the impact of drugs on the nervous system. 

Shutter-Controlled Heat Source for Consistency

The Tail-Flick features a shutter-controlled lamp that ensures constant temperature throughout the experiment. By maintaining the heat source in an illuminated state, the system avoids temperature inconsistencies associated with lamp warm-up in non-shuttered designs. This ensures that each measurement is accurate and reproducible across multiple tests.

Hands-Free Operation

The device offers both manual and automatic modes for detecting the tail flick response. In manual mode, the user can activate the heat source with a footswitch, allowing hands-free handling of the animal. The automatic detection mode uses a built-in photocell to sense tail motion and stop the timer, ensuring precise and efficient operation.

Adjustable Lamp Intensity

The Tail-Flick meter includes 25 intensity settings for the heat source, allowing researchers to fine-tune the stimulus according to the specific requirements of their experiments. This flexibility makes the system adaptable to different animal models and pain sensitivity thresholds.

• Timer Resolution: 0.1 seconds
• Testing Area Dimensions: 19” x 13” (48 cm x 33 cm)
• Lamp Intensity Settings: 25 adjustable settings
• Detection Methods: Manual via footswitch or automatic with photocell
• Data Output: USB or RS-232 for PC connection