How to use Neuropad®

Detailed instructions for usage

It’s simple to apply, but here is a handy guide to applying the Neuropad®. Save time by running through these steps on both feet together.

Neuropad screening test, with packaging

Step by step instructions on using Neuropad®

Image shows that the user should open the outer cardboard packaging to find a Neuropad foil sleeve and an instructions booklet.

Step 1 – Open the outer pack

  • Open the outer cardboard pack
  • Remove the user instruction card and foil packet.
  • The instruction card provides guidance similar to this page.
Image shows that the patient should remove all footwear (shoes, stockings and socks)

Step 2 – Remove all footwear

  • Remove your shoes and socks or stockings, so that your feet are bare.
  • Wash and then thoroughly dry your feet if necessary.
Alarm clock showing that the patient should wait for 5 minutes

Step 3 – Wait for 5 minutes

  • Now wait at least five minutes to let your feet acclimatise to your environment.
  • Make sure your hands are also clean and dry to ensure that no moisture is transferred to the pads.
  • It’s vital to ensure that your feet and hands are completely dry, so that the tests can be as accurate as possible.
Image shows how to open the packet: i.e. tear it open, not cut with scissors.

Step 4 – Open the inner foil packet

  • Open the silver-coloured foil pack by tearing down from the marked notch.
  • Remove the two plastic sleeves which contain the sweat function test pads (one for each foot).
  • Do not use scissors to open the pack.
Image shows how to open the inner pack and to check that the pad is entirely blue

Step 5 – Remove the pads from the foil packet

  • Remove the pads from the foil packet.
  • Ensure that each pad is blue and has no signs of pink.
  • If there is any pink present, please discard the pad and stop the testing.
Three images of feet showing the possible positions where a Neuropad could be applied.

Step 6 – Apply the Neuropad

  • Choose a position on the sole of your foot to apply the pad. Ideally this should be on the ball of the foot as shown (far left picture).
  • If the ball of your foot has a lot of callus, please apply the pad to one of the two alternative positions.
  • If you can, please apply the pad in the same position when re-testing each time, as this will allow your health professional to get a better impression of how your condition / treatment is progressing.
  • During the 10-minute testing, please keep your foot raised and the part of the foot where you have attached the pad off the floor.
Alarm clock showing that the patient should wait for 10 minutes

Step 7 – Wait for 10 minutes

  • Start the countdown as soon as you have stuck the Neuropad on to the sole of your foot.
  • Do not remove the pad until 10 minutes have elapsed.
Image shows the results card for Neuropad with lanes for both the left and right foot. The patient may tick pink, pink and blue mixed or blue as the results for each foot.

Step 8 – Record the results

  • Finally, record the results for both feet on the results card attached to the printed instruction booklet
  • Match the colour of the pad on your foot to the images on the results card.

How to use Neuropad® 10-Minute Screening Test®

Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE introduces the Neuropad® 10-Minute Screening Test®: ‘the canary in the coal mine’ – a simple, painless, non-invasive and objective test for the early identification of diabetes related foot problems.

Prevention is always better than cure.