A screening questionnaire for HAVS?

Abstract

Aim: To define the diagnostic power of simple questions most applicable for or a hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) assessment screening questionnaire. Method: Using a binary logistic regression we analysed 365 physician led HAVS health surveillance assessments to identify which questions could form the basis of a screening questionnaire. Results: Four sensorineural related questions regarding tingling and numbness in response to the cold and after using vibrating tools, and two vascular-related questions focusing on the patient's fingers going white on exposure to cold and numbness during an attack of whiteness were identified. Conclusions: Questions of high sensitivity for screening subjects for the vascular and neurosensory components of HAVS were identified, which can be used to identify those requiring further clinical investigation and functional testing. © Society of Occupational Medicine 2005; all rights reserved.