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Nailfold capillaroscopy
capillaroscopy · nailfold capillary exam · nailfold videocapillaroscopy
Using a special microscope, the doctor looks at the tiny blood vessels at the edge of your fingernails.
When your fingers turn pale or blue in the cold, and when certain connective tissue diseases are suspected.
⏱ Duration: usually 15 to 30 minutes; the report is ready right away or within a day
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Nails. For about a week before, do not get a manicure or cut your cuticles. Remove nail polish.
- Before the test. On the day of the test, it is better not to smoke or drink coffee. Check with the clinic.
- Warmth. Come early so your hands can warm up in the room.
What to bring
- Your referral
- Results of past tests, if any
How it goes
- You sit down and rest your hand on a table
- Your hands get used to the warm room for a few minutes
- A drop of oil is put on the skin near the nail
- The doctor looks at each finger under the microscope
- Pictures are saved for the report
What you'll feel
- It does not hurt
- You need to keep your hand calm and still
Afterwards
- The oil is wiped off, and you can go
- The report is given right away or within a day
- Go over the result with the doctor who referred you
Common questions
Why no manicure?
It damages the skin near the nail, and the capillaries are hard to see.
Is it dangerous?
No. It is just a look under magnification.