Capillary refill
Capillary refill is the rate at which blood refills empty capillaries. It can be measured by holding a hand higher than heart-level (prevents venous reflux), pressing the soft pad of a finger or toe until it turns white, and taking note of the time needed for colour to return once pressure is released. Normal refill time is less than 2 seconds. In neonates, capillary refill can be measured by pressing on the sternum for five seconds with a finger or thumb, and noting the time needed for the colour to return once the pressure is released. The upper normal limit for capillary refill in neonates is 3 seconds [1]. The capillary refill time (CRT) is a common measure of dehydration and peripheral perfusion. [1] It is generally accepted that the test can be highly variable between different patients, and unreliable. It is useful as supporting evidence for a positive sign of poor perfusion to the extremities. The CRT test (also sometimes referred to as CFT in Podiatric language)is often referred to as the Nail blanch test.[2] though this can be misleading as assessments based on time to refill of the nail are less sensitive due to spongy material of the nailbed shortening refill time.
A CRT can also be assessed in animals by pressing on their gums as opposed to the sternum which is generally covered with fur.
See also
References
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