HomeAnswersDermatologynail clubbing

Is my Schamroth test suggestive of nail clubbing ?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Does this look like an early nail clubbing? I came across something on the internet and started looking at my nails. I did a schamroth test, and I have a very small window. I am a bit concerned. Please help.

Thank you.
Answered by Dr. Sanjib Kumar Sahu

Education:

DNB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sanjib Kumar Sahu is a highly skilled Cardiologist and professional in General Medicine with expertise in managing heart diseases, hypertension, arrhythmias, and preventive cardiology. He also provides comprehensive care for chronic conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders. Dr. Sahu is committed to delivering patient-centered, evidence-based care focused on early diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term cardiovascular and general health management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Nail clubbing may be present when oxygen saturation is low or if there is a prolonged increase in reduced hemoglobin. Each clinical test, including Schamroth’s test, has its limitations, so it should not be solely relied upon. Clubbing can sometimes occur without any underlying disease. It is recommended to have an arterial blood gas test done. Please send photos of your fingers and toes.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Is an arterial blood gas test the same as pulse oximetry? I had a physical a month ago, and I know my pulse oxygen level was 99 percent. I have attached photos of my hands.

Answered by Dr. Sanjib Kumar Sahu

Education:

DNB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sanjib Kumar Sahu is a highly skilled Cardiologist and professional in General Medicine with expertise in managing heart diseases, hypertension, arrhythmias, and preventive cardiology. He also provides comprehensive care for chronic conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders. Dr. Sahu is committed to delivering patient-centered, evidence-based care focused on early diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term cardiovascular and general health management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have gone through the attachments (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It does not appear to be clubbing. Oximetry and other parameters are normal.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Answered by Dr. Sanjib Kumar Sahu

Education:

DNB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sanjib Kumar Sahu is a highly skilled Cardiologist and professional in General Medicine with expertise in managing heart diseases, hypertension, arrhythmias, and preventive cardiology. He also provides comprehensive care for chronic conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders. Dr. Sahu is committed to delivering patient-centered, evidence-based care focused on early diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term cardiovascular and general health management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You are most welcome. No, it is not clubbing. So, do not worry.

Thanks and regards.

Medically reviewed by Dr. K. Shobana
Published At January 21, 2018
Reviewed At June 4, 2026

Education:

DNB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sanjib Kumar Sahu is a highly skilled Cardiologist and professional in General Medicine with expertise in managing heart diseases, hypertension, arrhythmias, and preventive cardiology. He also provides comprehensive care for chronic conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders. Dr. Sahu is committed to delivering patient-centered, evidence-based care focused on early diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term cardiovascular and general health management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. K. Shobana is a Dental Surgeon specializing in oral health and dental care. She is skilled in preventive dentistry and provides oral hygiene education. She can do restorative treatments such as fillings and crowns. She can handle periodontal problems such as gum diseases and periodontitis. She can do root canal treatment.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sanjib Kumar Sahu
Dr. Sanjib Kumar Sahu

Cardiology

Education:

DNB

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sanjib Kumar Sahu is a highly skilled Cardiologist and professional in General Medicine with expertise in managing heart diseases, hypertension, arrhythmias, and preventive cardiology. He also provides comprehensive care for chronic conditions like diabetes and thyroid disorders. Dr. Sahu is committed to delivering patient-centered, evidence-based care focused on early diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term cardiovascular and general health management.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

Can low hemoglobin cause shortness of breath?

What is the normal oxygen saturation range in a pulse oximeter, and how should a COVID-19 patient use it?

Lung Cancer and Nail Clubbing

Can smoking cause nail clubbing?

Does hypoventilation cause low oxygen saturation?

Can low hemoglobin cause fatigue, breathlessness, hair loss?

Comprehensive Second Opinion

Read answers about:

oxygen saturationnail clubbingpulse oximetry

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Dermatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.