Finger Sweat Print Tape Bands

Abstract

A simple inexpensive technique for obtaining finger sweat prints (FSPs) is described. Evidence for its validity is presented. The method proved approximately equal to a more elaborate procedure in sensitivity to an anticholinergic drug effect. FSP techniques, perhaps, have been technically refined without the compensating gains of increased reliability or validity.DESCRIPTORS: Finger sweat prints, Palmar conductance, Anticholinergic drugs. (D. M. McNair) Address requests for reprints to Douglas M. McNair,

Measurement of Anticholinergic Effects of Psychotropic Drugs in Humans

“…The two most widely used techniques to assess sweat gland functioning are the skin conductance method [27] and the finger-sweat print method [46]. Skin conductance has been measured using a constant current (10 mA) device connected to Ag/ AgCl electrodes which are attached to the palmar sites of fingers and the forehead skin [27].…”

“…In the finger-sweat print method [46], the subject's middle finger is moistened using ferric chloride solution in ethanol, dried, and then placed on a strip of tannic-acid treated chromatography filter paper for 3 minutes. The finger print left on the paper can be compared on the basis of color intensity to a previously constructed scale (0±9 points), obtained with fingers left in contact with strips for different periods of time.…”

Comparison of sweat bottle and sweat print measures under resting-state conditions

“…The finger sweat print (FSP) procedure was essentially that described by McNair, Droppleman, and Kussman (1967). After application of the ferric chloride solution to the tip of a forefinger, I min elapsed before a coated sweat band was attached firmly with a cellophane tape; 2 min later, the band was removed.…”

Sensitivity of Four Fingfr Sweat Print Durations to an Anticholinergic Agent

“…Since several previous studies from this laboratory (AIcNair, Droppleman, & Pillard, 1967;McNair, Droppleman, & Kussman, 1967;and Droppleman' & McNair, 1968), have demonstrated that the FSP technique is sensitive to the anticholinergic effect of atropine sulfate, FSP response to atropine sulfate was selected to compare the relative sensitivities of four FSP durations, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 min.…”