Apparatus for evaluation of skin impedance variations

An apparatus for diagnosing a state of health of an organ in a human or animal body, the apparatus including:

• an electrical generator;
• a measurement electrode and a reference electrode, for connection, in use, to the generator;
• means for monitoring and measuring at least a first parameter which is dependent upon resistance or impedance between the electrodes when the measurement electrode is placed in contact with a first zone of skin corresponding to the organ and the reference electrode is placed in contact with a second zone of skin on the same body, and a DC potential difference is applied between the electrodes by the generator, in use;
• recording means configured to record a first measured value of the first parameter after a sudden and significant change in the first parameter due to a reduction in resistance of the skin at a breakthrough potential difference;
• means for changing the potential difference between the electrodes such that the polarity of the electrodes is inverted after the first measured value has been recorded;
• recording means configured to record a second measured value of a second parameter which is dependent upon resistance or impedance between the electrodes after inverting the polarity of the electrodes;
• and
• means for comparing the first and second measured values to obtain a third value which is an indicator of the state of health of the organ to which the first zone of skin corresponds.