Sinus Transillumination Test

TESTING FOR:

Infection of the frontal and maxillary sinuses.

PROCEDURE:

The test is performed in a dark room. Use a bright flashlight.

Cover the flashlight with a transparent and clean plastic bag. 

Maxillary Sinus: The client places the flashlight inside the mouth, against the roof of the mouth. 

Frontal Sinus: Using a different clean plastic bag, place the flashlight against the medial aspect of the eyebrows.

POSITIVE SIGN:

Sinuses are infected or blocked if they do not glow red (transilluminate).

A normal sinus shows a red glow in the area occupied by the sinus.