Cappilary refill basics

The capillary nail refill test is a quick test done on the nail beds. It is used to monitor dehydration and the amount of blood flow to the tissue. If there is good blood flow to the nail bed, a pink color should return in less than 2 seconds after pressure is removed.

1. Capillary refill
PREPARED BY ATHEENA PANDIAN

2. CAPILLARY REFILL
MEASUREMENTS
RANGE
ABNORMALITY
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Capillary refill
KEY POINTS

3. CAPILLARY REFILL
Capillary refill time is defined
as the time taken for color to
return to an external capillary
bed after pressure is applied
to cause blanching.

4. It can be measured by holding a
hand higher than heart-level and
pressing the soft pad of a finger
or fingernail until it turns white,
then taking note of the time
needed for the color to return
once pressure is released.

Measurement

5. Normal Range
Normal capillary refill time is usually less than 2 seconds

In newborn infants, capillary refill time can be measured
by pressing on the sternum for five seconds with a finger
or thumb, and noting the time needed for the color to
return once the pressure is released

6. Range
The upper normal limit for capillary
refill in newborns is 3 seconds

7. A prolonged capillary refill time may
be a sign of shock and can also
indicate dehydration and decreased
peripheral perfusion.

Prolonged capillary refill time may
also suggest peripheral artery
disease

It is generally accepted that the test
is affected by many different
external factors and therefore
should not be relied upon as a
universal diagnostic measure.
Abnormality

8. Good Luck