What Is a Wrinkle Test?

When you encounter the victim of an accident, one of the first things you will want to check, after basic first aid safety checks are done, is whether or not a victim has nerve damage. If the victim is conscious, it will likely be easy. If they are not, however, their reaction to water, known as a "wrinkle test," could be a clear indication.

Significance

• Recently denervated skin does not wrinkle. This means that if you place the hand of an accident victim (or hand-surgery patient) in water, within 5 minutes or so, you will be able to tell if there is any nerve damage.

Function

• The wrinkle test should be conducted in pure water that is about 40°C. If the nerves are intact, then the fingertips should wrinkle in about 3 1/2 minutes.

Considerations

• Nerve damage has most likely occurred when the palm is lacerated. This is a good indication that you should check for damage.

Benefits

• The wrinkle test can be used by professionals and good Samaritans alike to determine whether an accident has caused nerve damage. It can be used on small children who cannot explain their symptoms, and unconscious patients as well.

Warning

• If the victim has a back or neck injury, do not move them without professional assistance, even to do a wrinkle test.