Tail Flick Test

The Tail flick test is used to measure the nociceptive threshold and variation to infrared heat stimulus on the rat or mouse tail.

Basically, a thermal stimulus is applied on the tail of the rodent; when the animal feels discomfort, it reacts by a sudden tail movement.

The tail flick reaction time is then measured and used as an index of animal pain sensitivity. Science adopts the IR technology in the thermal stimulus.