The specific particulars of nerve conduction studies can vary, but they all follow the same general process:

1. You’ll be asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewelry, that could interfere with the procedure.
2. You may need to remove some clothing and wear a gown.
3. You will sit or lie down for the test.
4. Your doctor will find the nerve to be tested.
5. Your doctor will place two electrodes on your skin, one that stimulates the nerve and one that records the stimulation. They may use a jelly or some kind of paste to help the electrode stick to the skin.
6. The nerve will be stimulated by a mild and brief electrical shock from the stimulating electrode. One common test, for example, stimulates nerves in the finger and records the stimulus with an electrode near the wrist.

The entire test typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes. The sensation may be uncomfortable, but it typically isn’t painful.

Your doctor may want to perform the test in more than one location.  Adding a third stimulation site to the two normally used increased the sensitivity of the test from 80 to 96 percent.

Your primary care doctor and the specialist who conducts the test can tell you when or if the test will need to be done again.