How to Assess Sensation By George Newman, MD, PhD, Albert Einstein Medical Center Reviewed / Revised May 2020 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Topic Resources Sensory dermatomes Cutaneous nerve distribution... Cutaneous nerve distribution... How to do the Sensory Exam For the ability to sense a sharp object, the best screening test uses a safety pin or other sharp object to lightly prick the face, torso, and 4 limbs; the patient is asked whether the pinprick feels the same on both sides and whether the sensation is dull or sharp.