Quantitative sensory testing (QST) aims to rigorously assess nerve function. It is used in research of a wide range of patients with chronic pain, but the use is limited by high equipment costs, required training and time-consuming protocols.

Still, some patterns are commonly described: Thermal and mechanical detection thresholds are usually increased in patients with neuropathic pain, pinprick allodynia might indicate central sensitization, and pressure pain thresholds are often lowered in patients with musculoskeletal pain compared to pain-free individuals. Additionally, recent studies have linked the assessment of temporal summation of pain and conditioned pain modulation to treatment outcomes in patients with various forms of chronic pain. Additionally, within pain entities, sensory phenotypes can be used to stratify patients – a potential path to personalized pain management. 

However, to bring QST to clinical routine use, bedside QST protocols are needed, using inexpensive equipment, simple protocols that can be applied without lengthy specialist training, and producing robust results. Here, we will present two complementary protocols. After an introduction into the basic principles and advancements of laboratory and bedside QST and new devices by Jan Vollert, Roy Freeman will present the Boston protocol, and Manon Sendel the Kiel protocol.