Use a broken wooden (orange) stick:

• Break a wooden cotton swab to create a sharp end. The cotton end can be used for a dull stimulus.

• Do not go from patient to patient with a safety pin. Do not use non-disposable instruments such as those found in certain reflex hammers. Do not use very sharp items such as hypodermic needles.

• Ask the patient to respond (say "sharp" or "blunt") and to report any asymmetry.

• Alternatively, use a disposable neurotip, specially purchased for the occasion

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