Skin Turgor Test

Skin that stays tented for several seconds after a pinch indicates severe dehydration. Skin that takes 1–2 seconds or longer to flatten after being pinched indicates mild to moderate dehydration. When the body is adequately hydrated, interstitial fluid keeps the skin pliable and it snaps back instantly after being pinched. The skin pinch test measures a decrease in skin turgor caused by reduced fluid and pressure in the tissues just beneath the skin surface. The skin pinch test is a no-equipment method for assessing hydration status by pinching the skin and observing how quickly it returns to its normal position.