Exam

Capillary Refill

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Capillary Refill, Capillary Refill Time, Abnormal Capillary Nail Refill Test, Capillary Nail Refill Test

  • Protocol
  1. Perform in warm Ambient Temperature
  2. Perform on finger or arm held at heart level (skin over Sternum in infants)
  3. Press on skin to cause blanching
  4. Measure time in seconds for the blanched skin to return to the same color as surrounding skin
  • Interpretation
  1. Capillary Refill is prolonged if over 1.5 to 2 seconds
  2. Prolonged Capillary Refill Time suggests diminished localized Blood Flow or Dehydration