Blanch

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Blanch (blænʧ)

Blanch is a medical term used to describe the temporary whitening of the skin due to transient ischemia (lack of blood flow). This can be observed during the capillary refill test, a quick test performed on the skin to assess the adequacy of blood circulation.

Etymology

The term "blanch" originates from the Old French word "blanc", which means "white". It was first used in the medical context in the 14th century.

Related Terms

  • Ischemia: A condition in which there is insufficient blood supply to a part of the body, caused by blockage of the blood vessels leading to that part.
  • Capillary Refill: A test that measures the time taken for color to return to an external capillary bed after pressure is applied to cause blanching.
  • Pallor: An unhealthy pale appearance of the skin that can be caused by illness, emotional shock or stress, or lack of exposure to sunlight.
  • Cyanosis: A bluish discoloration of the skin resulting from poor circulation or inadequate oxygenation of the blood.

See Also

External links

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