A Polygraph exam, often referred to as a Lie Detector test, is an exam that utilizes an instrument which records and measures physiological changes that occur in the body caused by an activation of the Sympathetic portion of the Autonomic Nervous System. It is also known as a Psychophysiological Detection of Deception (PDD) exam. Polygraphs have been found to be between 94% and 97% accurate in reliabilty and validity studies.
Polygraph exams are used extensively in the United States and other countries as an Investigative tool and have proven to be extremely useful in that capacity. They are also used in pre-employment screening for certain jobs, such as Law Enforcement officers, Government employees, Armed Security officers and those who work with prescription drugs. In addition, Sex Offenders are often required to submit to periodic Polygraph exams to monitor their progress in their rehabilitation. These exams are known collectively as Post Conviction Sex Offender Testing (PCSOT).