Frequently Asked Questions

What do your systems do?

Tekscan's medical systems provide accurate and reliable pressure and force measurement and assessment. They are used for numerous applications: from gait analysis, to seating and positioning, to articulating joints. Our systems can be found in clinics, hospitals, universities, rehabilitation centers, sport facilities, research labs, and veterinary labs around the world.
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What are some of the applications your systems can be used in?

Tekscan's systems can be used for a wide range of applications that include foot function & pathomechanics; gait analysis & disorders; posture analysis & balance disorders; orthotic & prosthetic assessment; diabetes, wounds, ulcers, & burns; vascular & pressure garment; cushioning, seating, & positioning; rehabilitation & physical therapy; footwear; sports injury & performance; surgical & orthopedic evaluation; veterinary medicine; and many more.
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What systems do you have for gait analysis and foot pressure measurement?

Tekscan's systems provide gait analysis in one of two ways. Our in-shoe systems, F-Scan^® or F-Scan^® Mobile, use a sensor that is placed directly inside the patient's shoes for bipedal plantar pressure and force measurement. Our floor mat systems, MatScan^® or HR (High Resolution) Mat^TM, are suited for barefoot pressure and force measurements using a floor mat.
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What systems do you have for seating pressure and positioning?

The BPMS^TM system offers a wide range of sizes for measuring seat cushion, seat back, mattress, and other support surfaces. Sizes range from 17.4 in x 18 in (442 mm x 459 mm) for a small seat to 37 in x 101 in (940 mm x 2560 mm) for a full mattress.

The CONFORMat^® system offers seating, cushioning, and positioning solutions using new non-hammocking sensor technology that conforms to complex, contoured and deformable support surfaces. The sensor will not capture pressure artifacts, only the loaded area.
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Where can I learn more about how the systems are being used?

Tekscan has numerous papers, proceedings, case studies, and articles available referencing and describing the effectiveness of our medical systems. You can find this information in our Medical Bibliography. You can also contact us directly at marketing@tekscan.com to request product flyers that provide additional information.
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Do you have a sales representative in my area?

Tekscan products are sold directly through our own staff of sales representatives in the United States and through distributors internationally. Please contact us at marketing@tekscan.com and we will direct you to the appropriate sales representative or distributor. Refer to our Distributor List for a list of countries where we have local representation.
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How do the systems work?

Each system uses Tekscan's patented high-resolution, thin-film tactile pressure/force sensors that produce the most accurate and reliable pressure and force readings available. Our enabling electronics captures the data and our user-friendly software shows real-time 3D and 2D color displays providing optimal assessment and evaluation.
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What is included with a system?

A system consists of Tekscan's sensors, data acquisition hardware, and software enabling you to view and analyze the output of the sensors. The system DOES NOT include a computer.
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What is the cost of a system?

Prices for our systems vary depending on your application and needs. Your sales representative or local distributor will discuss your application with you and recommend the system that will best suit your needs and your budget. We offer various ways for you to acquire a system as well, including purchasing, leasing, and rent-to-own.
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How can I get a demonstration of a system?

Your sales representative would be happy to provide you with a demonstration. We can arrange for a demonstration via the Internet or arrange for an on-site visit, simply contact us at marketing@tekscan.com. We also demonstrate our systems at numerous trade shows throughout the year. Refer to our Medical Upcoming Events to see what shows at which we will be exhibiting.
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What are your system's computer requirements?

Refer to our Computer Requirements.
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Are your systems portable?

All of our medical systems connect directly to the USB port of your laptop offering your portability in data collection.

The new VersaTek^® hardware platform offers USB connectivity with faster scan speeds. VersaTek offers the ultimate in flexibility by allowing you to use many sensors in various applications with the same electronics.

Also available is the Evolution^® USB Handle, which is up to 10X faster than previous scanning speeds for research applications & dynamic studies. The handle connects to the USB port of your PC and with the one piece design offers you portability to immediately collect force and pressure data whether you are out in the field or in-office. Evolution is available with the following systems: MatScan^®, Presto-Scan^®, BPMS™, CONFORMat^®, K-Scan™, and I-Scan^®. Speeds will vary depending on system and configuration. Contact us to learn more about Evolution!

The F-Scan Mobile^® system allows you to collect bipedal plantar pressure without wires running from the patient to the computer for recording data virtually anywhere. Then, by attaching the F-Scan Mobile directly to the USB port of your laptop, data can be uploaded for analysis.

Are your systems reimbursable?

We can provide you with a list of CPT codes applicable to pressure measurement. Your sales representative can also provide you with additional information on reimbursement options and ways adding a Tekscan system to your practice can be profitable. Please note that each state has different reimbursement guidelines.

Please note: The CPT code descriptions are provided for informational purposes only. Use of these codes should not be viewed as a recommended practice for all situations. Acceptance and reimbursement according to these codes varies, and is not guaranteed by Tekscan, Inc. For more complete descriptions and reimbursement rates, please consult your state manual.
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What are the key features of the Tekscan software?

The software varies from system to system, but some of the key features available in most are 2D contoured and 3D color displays, a color legend to display pressure range, measurement recordings in real-time, VCR like controls so recordings can be played back and forth for analysis, and a patient database system. Please email marketing@tekscan.com for a complete list of features on the specific system you are interested in.
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Can I upgrade my software?

Yes. However, depending on how long you have had your system, you may need to purchase additional hardware to be compatible with the most current software version. Contact us at (800) 248-3669 (International 001-617-464-4500) in order to learn more about your upgrade options. Please have the serial numbers of your software and hardware available.
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How frequently is the software updated?

Software upgrades are available approximately every year. Software patches are also published as needed and are easily downloadable from our Support Page.
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What types of additional software do you have available?

We offer additional software for our systems as well, such as Research Software (with ASCII saving capabilities, equilibration, and more), TAM^TM (Timing Analysis Module for parameters associated with the foot and gait cycle), CoM'nalysis^TM (body center of mass analysis and performance), and SAM^TM(Sway Analysis Module for analyzing sway and assessing posture). We also offer Video Synchronization^TM software so you can record and synchronize video and pressure measurements for enhanced diagnosis, treatment, and documentation.
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What are the specifications of your sensors?

Our sensors come in a wide range of sizes and pressure ranges. Refer to our Medical Sensor Catalog To Request More Information.
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How do I calibrate the sensors?

Can your sensors be cut or trimmed?

Several of our sensors can be cut or trimmed to smaller sizes or shapes. The Medical Sensor Catalog will give you information on which sensors are trimmable. This is one of the most important advantages of our in-shoe F-Scan sensor, which can be trimmed to fit any shoe size up to a men's size 14.
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How do I clean the sensors?

You can wipe our sensors clean with alcohol or water.
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How long do the sensors last?

The lifespan of the sensor depends on the conditions to which it is exposed. Our MatScan sensor, which is inserted into a low-profile floor mat can last years. Our F-Scan in-shoe sensor can be reused and lasts conservatively up to 10 to 15 patients.
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How do I purchase additional sensors for my system?

You can purchase additional sensors directly from Tekscan. Simply call us at (800) 248-3669 (International 001-617-464-4500) or send an email to orders@tekscan.com.
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Can I only purchase Tekscan sensors?

Tekscan's patented array or grid sensors are designed to only work with our software and hardware, therefore you cannot simply purchase the sensors unless you own a Tekscan system. However, our FlexiForce^® division offers single element force sensors that can be purchased without our electronics and software.
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Will my system work with all of Tekscan's sensors?

When you purchase a system, your software allows you to read only the sensors that come standard with that system. You can purchase additional sensor "maps" (drivers) for your software that will allow you to use the system with additional types of sensors. You can purchase these additional maps with your initial purchase or at a later time as your application needs change.
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Can I customize a sensor?

Yes. If you cannot find a sensor that fits your application needs in our standard selection, we can work with you to custom design and manufacture a sensor. Your sales representative can provide you with additional information.
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What is the warranty on your systems?

There is a one-year hardware warranty.
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What type of training comes with purchasing a system?

Our goal is to make sure you receive all the training you need in order to get your system up and running as quickly as possible. You will receive either a day of on-site training or an Internet based training on the system you purchase. Each system also comes with an operational manual.
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What type of technical support comes with purchasing a system?

You receive 90 days of free technical phone support with the purchase of any system. Beyond that, we offer yearly support plans on your system. Your sales representative can provide additional information on your support options.
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Where can I find software drivers and updates?

Software patches are published as needed and are easily downloadable from our Support Page.
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How can you find us?

Experience Tekscan's eye-opening technology for yourself by taking part in a Web demonstration. Your sales representative will provide you with an interactive demo of Tekscan's software; all you need is a telephone and an Internet connection - we take care of the rest. To make arrangements or To Request More Information: