HEALTH STUDIES COLLEGIUM
44621 Guilford Drive, Suite 150 • Ashburn, VA 20147 • Phone: 800.328.7372 • Fax: 703.723.8340
WRIST SKIN-PINCH TEST
Simple test of moderate dehydration
Background: Skin “turgor” or degree of elasticity is a sign commonly
used to assess the degree of hydration, fluid loss or dehydration. Fluid
loss can occur due to common conditions like diarrhea or vomiting.
Excessive fluid loss is also associated with like diabetes. Also during a cold
or flu, a patient may experience dehydration due to a fever.
The skin pinch test is a simple test of dehydration that can be performed
easily by almost anyone.
Method:
Step 1: Gently pull up about 1/2 inch on the skin on the back of the wrist
with the hand extended out (not flexed either up or down)
Step 2: Evaluation: If the skin maintains a little 'tent' i.e., stays pinched and
then slowly goes back to normal (over 5-10 seconds) it is usually a sign of
moderate dehydration.
For additional discussion visit: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003281.htm
HEALTH STUDIES COLLEGIUM
44621 Guilford Drive, Suite 150 • Ashburn, VA 20147 • Phone: 800.328.7372 • Fax: 703.723.8340