A special test of the circulation & swelling :
- These tests are applied to the clinic to measure the swelling in the hand.
- This clinical test is applied to a therapist or doctor when the swelling is present at the hand.
- This swelling is checked in the observation part of the assessment of the hand.
Name of the special test of the circulation & swelling:
- Digit blood flow
- Hand volume test
Digit blood flow:-
What is the purpose of the digit blood flow?
- This digit blood flow is used to determine the blood flow in the hand.
What is the technique of the digit blood flow?
- The patient is in the sitting position for the test.
- To test distal blood flow, the examiner [ therapist ] compresses the nail bed & notes the time taken for colour to return to the nail.
- Normally, when the pressure is released, the color should return to the nail bed within 3 seconds.
- If the return takes longer, arterial insufficiency to the fingers should be suspected.
- The result is a comparison with the normal side & gives some indication of restricted flow.
Hand volume test:-
What is the purpose of the hand volume test?
- This hand volume test is used to check the swelling, edema or atrophy of the hand.
What is the technique of the hand volume test?
- For the test, the patient is in a sitting position.
- If the examiner [ therapist ] is concerned about changes in hand size, a volumeter may be used.
- This device can be used to assess changes in hand size resulting from localized swelling, generalized edema, or atrophy.
- Comparisons with the normal limb give the examiner [ therapist ] an idea of changes occurring in the affected hand.
- Care must be taken when doing this test to ensure accurate readings.
- There is often a 10 – mL difference between right & left hands & between dominant & non-dominant hands.
- If the swelling is the problem so that the differences of 30 to 50 mL can be noted.