Baseline Clinical Grade Tuning Fork, 30 Hz, Weighted

The Baseline Clinical Grade Tuning Fork (30 Hz, Weighted) is a specialized professional instrument for deep vibratory sensation testing and low-frequency sensory nerve assessment. The 30 Hz frequency is among the lowest used in clinical tuning fork assessment and is specifically indicated for evaluating deep pressure and vibratory sensation mediated by Pacinian corpuscles — the sensory receptors most sensitive to low-frequency vibration. This makes the 30 Hz fork a valuable tool in specialized neurological and vascular assessment protocols where standard 128 Hz testing may not fully characterize the patient’s sensory deficit. Clinical grade construction ensures the frequency accuracy and durability required for reliable, repeatable professional use.

Key Features

• 30 Hz frequency — specialized for deep vibratory sensation and low-frequency sensory assessment
• Clinical grade construction — superior precision and frequency accuracy for professional use
• Weighted tines extend vibration duration for a sustained, consistent sensory stimulus
• Evaluates Pacinian corpuscle-mediated deep pressure and vibratory sensation
• Valuable complement to standard 128 Hz testing in specialized neurological assessment
• Preferred for professional clinical and diagnostic settings

Specifications

• Brand: Baseline
• SKU: 10056C
• UPC: 714905015720
• Frequency: 30 Hz (cycles per second)
• Grade: Clinical
• Weights: Yes (weighted tines)
• Use: Deep vibratory sensation and low-frequency sensory nerve assessment
• Country of Origin: China

Ideal For

Neurologists and physicians performing specialized sensory nerve assessments who need to evaluate deep vibratory sensation mediated by Pacinian corpuscles — which are most sensitive to low-frequency vibration — will find the 30 Hz fork a valuable addition to a comprehensive sensory testing protocol alongside the standard 128 Hz fork. Physical therapists and occupational therapists working with patients who have complex peripheral neuropathy, diabetic sensory loss, or other conditions affecting deep sensory pathways will find the 30 Hz frequency useful for characterizing the full spectrum of sensory deficit beyond what standard 128 Hz testing reveals. Vascular specialists and podiatrists assessing patients with peripheral vascular disease or advanced diabetic neuropathy who require detailed sensory profiling to guide treatment decisions will benefit from the additional diagnostic information the low-frequency fork provides. Research clinicians and academic medical centers conducting sensory assessment studies or developing clinical protocols for neuropathy evaluation will find the clinical grade construction appropriate for the precision required in research applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 30 Hz fork different from the 128 Hz fork?
The 128 Hz fork is the standard clinical instrument for general vibratory sensation testing and is the most widely used frequency for lower-extremity sensory assessment in neuropathy screening. The 30 Hz fork produces a much lower frequency vibration that specifically stimulates Pacinian corpuscles — deep sensory receptors sensitive to low-frequency vibration and deep pressure. Using both frequencies together provides a more complete picture of sensory nerve function across different receptor types and nerve fiber populations, which can be valuable in complex or advanced neuropathy cases.

What is the difference between clinical grade and student grade tuning forks?
Clinical grade tuning forks are manufactured to tighter tolerances with higher-quality materials, resulting in superior frequency accuracy, more consistent vibration characteristics, and greater durability under repeated clinical use. For a specialized low-frequency instrument like the 30 Hz fork — where precise frequency is critical to the validity of the assessment — clinical grade construction is particularly important.

How do I use a 30 Hz tuning fork for sensory testing?
Strike the weighted tines against a firm but yielding surface to set the fork vibrating. Place the base of the vibrating fork on a bony prominence or area of interest and ask the patient to indicate when they feel the vibration and when it stops. The 30 Hz fork is typically used as part of a multi-frequency sensory assessment protocol alongside the 128 Hz fork. Consult a clinical neurological assessment reference for full test interpretation guidance specific to low-frequency vibratory testing.

How do I care for a clinical grade tuning fork?
Store the tuning fork in a protective case or pouch to prevent damage to the tines. Avoid dropping the fork or striking it against hard surfaces, as this can alter the vibration frequency or damage the tines. Clean with a mild disinfectant wipe between patients. Do not autoclave or expose to high heat, as this can affect the metal’s temper and alter the fork’s frequency accuracy.