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Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Test – What To Know

How to Prepare for an NCV Test

Once your doctor decides that you need an NCV test, he will need to make a schedule. This would require asking questions about conditions, medications, or behavioral problems that might affect the results. These include:

  • Alcohol use
  • If you use certain neurologic medications, like opioids, muscle relaxants, or psychotropic medications
  • Hypothyroidism [4]
  • Diabetes [5]
  • Systemic disease

It is also important to let your doctor know if you have a pacemaker. The electrodes used in the NCV test may affect the electronic impulses of your medical device.

Your doctor will instruct you to not use any lotions on your skin for a few days prior to the test. These creams can prevent the electrodes from being properly placed on the skin.

Fasting usually isn’t necessary but you may be asked to avoid caffeine for days before the test.