The Digital Blood Flow Test assesses the vascularization of the hand by occluding and releasing blood flow to the digits.
To perform the test compress your patient’s nail bed and note the time that it takes for the color to return.
Normally, the color should return within three seconds. If this is not the case we are talking about a positive test for arterial insufficiency to the fingers.
Another common test to assess the ulnar and radial arteries is the Allen Test.
Magee, D. J. (2014). Orthopedic physical assessment-E-Book. Elsevier Health Sciences.
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