[Comparative measurement of skinfold thickness of the back of the hand with caliper and ultrasound--initial results of a prospective study].

In 110 persons the thickness of the skin on the back of the hand was measured by ultrasound (B-mode) and caliper, and the results were compared. The thickness of the skin measured by ultrasound was statistically lower than measured by caliper. This seems to be due to the better distinguishing of cutis from subcutaneous fat by ultrasound. Both methods revealed reproducible results. Caliper measurement is advantageous because of its simple handling. 10 MHz transducer is also useful for measuring the thickness of the skin.