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Reproducibility of electrical caries measurements: a technical problem?
M C D N J M Huysmans1, J Kühnisch, J J ten Bosch
1Department of Dentistry, Division of Cariology and Operative Dentistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. m.c.d.n.j.m.huysmans@med.rug.nl
Caries Research
|August 20, 2005
Summary
The Electronic Caries Monitor (ECM) shows non-random measurement variations, particularly at the extremes of its range. This pattern is a general feature of the electrical detection method for occlusal caries.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Biomedical Engineering
- Diagnostic Technologies
Background:
- The Electronic Caries Monitor (ECM) is used for electrical detection of occlusal caries.
- Previous studies reported fair to good reproducibility for the ECM method.
- Non-random measurement variations were observed with the ECM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the origin of non-random reproducibility patterns in ECM measurements.
- To determine if this pattern is consistent across different operators and ECM models.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of hypothetical measurement pairs to identify patterns.
- Examination of data sets from other researchers using different ECM models and operators.
- Frequency distribution analysis of measurement data.
Main Results:
- The non-random pattern was linked to measurements at the high and low ends of the ECM's measurement range.
- Similar patterns were observed in data sets from various sources, operators, and ECM models.
- Frequency distributions consistently showed single or double end-peaked shapes.
Conclusions:
- The observed non-random measurement pattern is a general characteristic of the ECM method.
- Potential causes include high value censoring, insufficient probe contact, and unpredictable probe contact.
- Development of alternative measurement techniques with improved probe contact is recommended.