Cold Stimulation Test
Reviewed
Also called: cold challenge test, cold stimulation test
A cold stimulation test involves placing your fingers in ice water and checking to see how long it takes your skin to return to a normal temperature.
Specimen: Not applicable (this is a procedure, not a laboratory test)
Why this test may be ordered
- You have symptoms of Raynaud phenomenon, such as fingers or toes turning white or blue, feeling numb or painful, or taking a long time to warm up after exposure to cold or stress.
- Your provider wants to help confirm a diagnosis of Raynaud phenomenon after a physical exam and review of your medical history.
Preparation and collection
You don't need any special preparations for a cold stimulation test.
A small device that measures temperature will be taped to your fingers. You will then place your hands into an ice water bath for 20 seconds. Your provider will record your finger temperature every five minutes for up to 20 minutes, or until your temperature returns to the same as it was before the ice water bath.
You may feel some discomfort while your hands are in the ice water.
Understanding results
This test is used to find out if you have Raynaud phenomenon.
- Finger temperature takes 20 minutes or more to return to normal: If it takes 20 minutes or more for your finger temperature to return to normal after the ice water bath, it probably means you have Raynaud phenomenon. Limitation: If your symptoms are severe and/or you are age 35 or older, you may have secondary Raynaud phenomenon. Next step: If your symptoms are causing too much discomfort, or if you have secondary Raynaud phenomenon, your provider may also prescribe medicines that can help open your blood vessels.
- Abnormal arteries on nailfold capillaroscopy (follow-up test): If abnormal arteries are seen, it can be a sign of scleroderma or other connective tissue disease. Limitation: If your health care provider thinks you have secondary Raynaud phenomenon, they may order more tests to help diagnose the disorder that is causing it. Next step: If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- The test is used to help confirm a diagnosis of Raynaud phenomenon after a physical exam and review of symptoms and medical history.
- A recovery time of 20 minutes or more probably means you have Raynaud phenomenon, but the result is not a definitive diagnosis by itself.
- If you have severe symptoms and/or are age 35 or older, you may have secondary Raynaud phenomenon, which requires further testing to identify the underlying cause (e.g., nailfold capillaroscopy, blood tests for immune system disorders).
- The test does not distinguish between primary and secondary Raynaud phenomenon on its own.
What to do next
If your health care provider thinks you have secondary Raynaud phenomenon, they may order more tests to help diagnose the disorder that is causing it. If you have questions about your results, talk to your provider.
- Do you have symptoms such as fingers or toes turning white or blue, feeling numb or painful, or taking a long time to warm up after exposure to cold or stress?
- Have you experienced these symptoms after exposure to cold or emotional stress, or after smoking or vaping?
- Do you have any other medical conditions (e.g., lupus, scleroderma, carpal tunnel syndrome) or take medications that could affect blood vessels?
- What is your age? (Age may help distinguish primary vs. secondary Raynaud phenomenon.)
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.