QSART: What It Is, Purpose, Procedure & Results (original) (raw)

How do I prepare for a QSART?

Your healthcare provider will meet with you before a QSART to let you know what to expect. They’ll also give you specific instructions to follow so you can prepare. These may include:

• Stop taking certain medications that may change the results of the test.
• Avoid tobacco products for up to four hours before the test starts.
• Don’t wear compression garments or stockings on the day of the test.
• Make changes to when you eat and drink before the test.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing on the day of the test.
• Don’t use any lotions or body creams on the day of the test.

If you have any questions about how to prepare for a QSART, ask your provider before your test.

Can I eat or drink before a QSART?

You’ll need to make some slight changes to what you eat and drink before a QSART. Your provider may recommend the following:

• Don’t eat or drink anything that contains caffeine eight hours before the test.
• Don’t drink any beverages containing alcohol 12 hours before.
• Eat a light meal at least three hours before.
• Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated the day before.
• Don’t drink any beverages three hours before.

What medications can I take before a QSART?

You should continue taking all of your medications unless your provider instructs you to stop taking them.

Some medications can interfere with the QSART results, including:

You may need to stop taking these medications up to 48 hours before the test.

How is a QSART done?

You can expect the following during a QSART:

1. You’ll remove your shoes and socks.
2. You’ll sit or lie flat on your back on an exam table, if possible.
3. Your provider will clean and dry your skin where they’ll perform the test, usually on your foot, leg and wrist.
4. Your provider will place four electrodes (small plastic patches) on your skin. Typically, three are on your leg and one on your wrist. They’ll also rub acetylcholine on your skin. Acetylcholine is a naturally occurring neurotransmitter in your body. This solution on your skin stimulates your sweat glands during the test.
5. The QSART machine is turned on and passes a small electrical current through the electrodes on your skin.
6. Your body will produce sweat, which the machine will then measure.
7. Your provider may move the electrodes to different parts of your body and repeat the above steps.

How long does a QSART take?

A QSART takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour.

Is a QSART painful?

A QSART isn’t painful, but you may feel some discomfort. The movement of electric currents might feel like a tickling, prickling or mild burning sensation where the electrodes sit on your skin.

If you feel any pain, let your provider know.

What can I expect after a QSART?

After the test, your provider will remove the electrodes from your skin and you can put your socks and shoes back on. You might notice some skin irritation or discoloration, like redness or a darker skin tone, in the areas where your provider placed electrodes. This usually goes away in a few hours.

The data from the test are then sent to your referring physician. They’ll contact you when the results are ready. This usually takes a few days.

What are the risks of a QSART?

A QSART isn’t invasive or dangerous. You may feel uncomfortable sensations during the test. But most people can get through it without any issues. If you’re unable to tolerate the prickling sensation of the electrical current moving under your skin, your provider may offer alternative forms of testing.