Capillaroscopy is a method designed to evaluate small skin vessels. The most suitable place for this method is the nailfold that is covered with a thin layer of transparent colourless oil before being put under a stereo microscope. Depending on the state of the capillary loops it is possible to notice the differences between the normal capillaries of a healthy person and the capillaries of one with miscovascular disorders. Capillaroscopy is performed in a room with a microclimate in the patient’s comfort zone.
Capillaroscopy is a harmless, non-invasive method for the observation of the morphological structure of capillaries in the nailfold of patients with suspected or already diagnosed systemic inflammatory rheumatic disease. Not only can doctors see capillaries but also the flow of erythrocytes through their lumen from the venous to arterial end.
The main indication for capillaroscopy are diseases that attack the microvasculature. Among them, we can distinguish the following rheumatic entities: primary and secondary Raynaud’s syndrome, systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, various connective tissue disease and vasculitis.
Scheduling
To schedule an appointment contact the Marketing Department (+381 18 502 211, marketing.sluzba@radonnb.co.rs). If the patient is already in the institute for treatment and rehabilitation, he/her will have a test scheduled by one of the medical staff.
Bring the following items to the appointment:
- A valid identification(passport, ID);
- Previous medical documentation
- The medications the patient takes as his/hers current therapy and the documentation
- Form INO-1 (foreign citizens who reside temporarily in Serbia)
The diagnostic method is charged according to the valid price list of the Institute.
Given that changes in temperature, physical or mental condition, smoking and other factors can affect the microcirculation, the patient should spend at least 15 minutes in a microclimate before capillaroscopy, and smokers should not smoke at least 15 minutes before the test. Avoid manicure before the test.
During capillaroscopy the person is in sitting position and the hand being examined should be at the heart level.
The examination is done at 12:00 o’clock every Wednesday and Thursday.