Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing protocol specifies what duration of contact with the skin?

• A. Applied perpendicular to area with 2 seconds of contact
• B. Applied perpendicular to area for 1 second
• C. Applied parallel to skin
• D. Applied with a twisting motion

Answer: (B)

Semmes-Weinstein testing relies on a consistent, reproducible stimulus. The monofilament is pressed perpendicular to the skin until it bends and is held for about one second before releasing. This brief, fixed duration ensures the pressure is enough to evoke a sensation when protective touch is present without over-stimulating or under-stimulating the area. Applying the filament parallel to the skin or with twisting would not produce the same bending force and would introduce variability, making the test unreliable. Therefore, the protocol uses a one-second contact.