What it means
The tip of a finger, which has many nerve endings and a rich blood supply. In nursing it is used for a fingerstick blood glucose test, for a pulse oximeter probe, and for checking capillary refillKAP-ih-lair-ee REE-filA quick test that measures how fast color returns to a nail bed after it is pressed and released.Full entry by pressing on the nail bed.
For the nurse
For a fingerstick, use the side of the fingertip rather than the pad, which hurts less, and rotate fingers.
At a glance
| Also written | fingertips |
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Related terms
pulse oximetry
A painless test that uses light through a finger, toe or earlobe to estimate how much oxygen the blood is carrying.
capillary refill
A quick test that measures how fast color returns to a nail bed after it is pressed and released.