TSA2
Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) and Pain
Medoc’s advanced system for scientific and laboratory investigation of thermal thresholds.
The TSA2 (Thermosensory Analyzer) by Medoc is an internationally recognized system in Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) for thermal and pain assessment (cold and heat).
Widely used by centers of excellence, specialized clinics, hospitals, and neuroscience laboratories worldwide, the TSA2 stands out for its extremely high temperature control precision, accelerated stimulus rates, and modular flexibility for advanced protocols.
The TSA2 operates in an integrated manner with advanced software platforms, offering researchers and clinicians a complete ecosystem for in-depth analysis of somatosensory function.
Key Features
Metrological parameters, thermal dynamics, and architecture
Comprehensive Thermal Range
Operates with high precision from gentle thermal sensation to deep pain thresholds, covering 0°C to 53°C (and up to 55°C with the CHEPS thermode).
Rapid Stimulation
Provides dynamic changes from 0.1°C/s up to 13°C/s in standard mode, ensuring the rigorous fidelity required in advanced scientific protocols.
Dual Thermodes
Architecture that allows simultaneous stimuli at two distinct anatomical points, enabling comparative and precise thermal mapping.
CHEPS Technology
Integrated support for ultra-fast thermodes specifically designed to record heat-evoked potentials and selectively study thin fibers.
fMRI Compatibility
Electrically shielded modular version, allowing safe use in 3T and 7T magnetic resonance environments for neuroimaging studies.
External Control
Offers full compatibility with MATLAB and Python, enabling flexible parameter control and synchronization via TTL, USB, and Ethernet.
Main Applications
Developed with a focus on clinical and scientific excellence, the TSA2 offers full flexibility for highly complex protocols in somatosensory research
This system integrates advanced resources for neurophysiological assessment, allowing everything from detailed mapping of thermal and nociceptive thresholds to the execution of complex pain modulation protocols and contact heat-evoked potentials.
Globally recognized for its metrological precision and reproducibility, the TSA2 represents the definitive solution for neurophysiology laboratories, clinical pain research centers, and university hospitals that demand technical rigor and absolute reliability.
Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST)
Maps essential thermal thresholds (CDT, WDT, HPT, CPT, and TSL) with high metrological precision, making it ideal for laboratory investigation of neuropathies and complex neuropathic pain.
Conditioned Pain Modulation (CPM)
Uses dual thermodes to apply parallel stimuli and accurately measure the efficiency of central descending inhibitory mechanisms, structuring advanced protocols.
Heat-Evoked Potentials (CHEPS)
Applies ultra-rapid heating of up to 70°C/s and synchronizes perfectly with EEG systems via TTL (< 10 ms), enabling the selective study of A-delta fibers and thermopotentials.
Thermodes
The TSA2 operates with a wide range of interchangeable thermal transducers equipped with an integrated EEPROM chip for automatic calibration and immediate recognition by the system:
Standard – 30×30 mm
The internationally referenced contact surface in QST literature for standardized determination of thermal thresholds and normative sensory testing.
Focal – 16×16 mm
Developed for localized stimulation with high spatial precision, ideal for somatosensory assessments in restricted anatomical areas and focal receptor testing.
CHEPS and CHEPS fMRI
Transducers optimized for ultra-fast heating and cooling rates, dedicated to thermal evoked potentials and activation of A-delta and C fibers.
Intraoral and Intravaginal
Transducers with specialized geometry for mapping nociceptive sensitivity in mucous membranes and hard-to-reach anatomical regions.
Medoc Main Station (MMS) Software
Advanced computer interface for real-time data acquisition, processing, control, and export.
The computational ecosystem of the TSA2 operates through the Medoc Main Station (MMS), Medoc’s proprietary software developed specifically for the programming, management, and rigorous control of thermal stimulation protocols. The software runs on Windows (compatible with Windows 10 and recent versions), offering a highly intuitive, robust interface oriented toward scientific investigation to monitor, structure, and manage detailed data on thermal thresholds and nociceptive responses in real time.
Complete Program Management
Allows you to create, duplicate, and edit customized protocols, adjusting thermal rates, intervals, randomization, and sound alerts for specific demands.
Advanced Patient
Management
Offers detailed registration with support for custom fields, departments, input masks, and easy import and export of records.
Native Test
Methods
Supports paradigms established in the international QST literature, including Limits, Levels, TSL, Chain, Pulses, and routines dedicated to Conditioned Pain Modulation.
Integrated Normative
Database
Provides a repository with internationally validated reference curves, facilitating immediate statistical comparison and comparative clinical evaluation.
Monitoring and Dynamic Reports
Allows real-time graphical visualization of thermal tests, export of raw data to Excel, and issuance of detailed reports in PDF format.
External Control
and Automation
Guarantees full, broad, flexible, and advanced native integration with MATLAB and Python through TCP communication and USB ports, as well as trigger synchronization via TTL.
Technical Specifications
The TSA2 features laboratory-grade technical specifications with rigorous metrological accuracy, ensuring high repeatability and advanced thermal control for high-performance scientific and clinical investigations.
Technical Parameter |
TSA2 Specification |
| Modality | Thermal QST (Cold, Heat, Thresholds, and Pain) |
| Absolute Accuracy / Repeatability | ±0.3°C / ±0.15°C |
| Temperature Range | 0°C to 53°C (Standard); up to 55°C (CHEPS) |
| Rate of Change | 0.1°C/s to 13°C/s (Standard); heating up to 70°C/s (CHEPS) |
| Stimulation Methods | Limits, Levels, TSL, Chain, Pulses, Ramp and Hold, Search, CPM |
| Display Resolution | 0.01 °C |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, TTL In/Out (±5V), MATLAB® and Python |
| Power Supply | 90 – 264 VAC, 50/60 Hz |
| Software | MMS (Medoc Main Station) for Windows 10 |
Biolink® is the exclusive authorized representative of Medoc Ltd. in Brazil and South America (Argentina and other countries). We offer sales support, technical support, and specialized service for the TSA2 – Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST) and Pain and the entire Medoc product line.
Contact us and request a quote.
