Laboratory Activity 1: CAPILLARY FRAGILITY TEST

NAME: Rating:

Class schedule: Date submitted:

This test measures the ability of small capillaries to retain blood when subjected to increased
hydrostatic pressure and anoxia. It is a non-specific evaluation to measure capillary weakness and deficiencies
in platelet number and function. Decreased capillary resistance causes the capillaries to rupture which leads to
bleeding and formation of petechiae.

Objectives: At the end of this activity, you should be able to:

 properly perform the capillary fragility test (tourniquet); and
 discuss the clinical significance of the test in the screening of primary hemostatic disorders.

Materials Needed: Blood pressure cuff (or tourniquet/rubber or cloth strip), timer

Procedure: Rumpel-Leede Tourniquet Test

1. Examine the forearm, hand, and fingers to make certain that no petechiae are present.
2. With a blood pressure cuff, apply 100 mmHg pressure to upper arm.
 To those who do not have a blood pressure cuff, use a tourniquet or rubber/cloth strip instead.
Apply the tourniquet not too tight, not too loose to employ just enough pressure.
3. Maintain pressure for 5 minutes.
4. Release cuff and wait for 5 – 10 minutes before making a final reading.
5. Examine the forearm, hands and fingers for petechiae.

Note: Disregard any petechiae within ½ inch of the blood pressure cuff (tourniquet)
because this may be due to pinching of the skin by the cuff.

6. Count the number of petechiae and roughly interpret as follows:

1+ : A few petechiae on the anterior part of the forearm

2+ : May petechiae on the anterior part of the forearm
3+ : Multiple petechiae over the whole arm and back of the hand
4+ : Confluent petechiae on the arm and back of the hand

Illustrate:
1. Petechiae, purpura, ecchymosis
2. Photo of your individual results.

Enhancement Questions:
Reading Assignment:
1. What are petechiae, ecchymoses, purpura?
2. Enumerate and describe the different vascular disorders that lead to bleeding.
3. Clinical significance of CFT

Research Question: (to be checked using the rubrics)

1. Give the factors affecting the results of the test Format or you report
2. Give and explain the contraindications of CFT.

Photo (Individual Result)

Answer to the Research questions