INTRODUCTION In a previous study of capillary fragility in 190 white male subjects, the authors reported that age of subject and time of test exert some influence on the result of the Rumpel-Leede test (1). One hundred of these same individuals were also tested with a Petechiometer® f which has been advocated as a simple, accurate and readily available suction (or negative pressure) type of instrument (2, 3). The results obtained with the Petechiometer are discussed in the present report.