capillary refilling time
Last reviewed 01/2018
This test provides a crude indication of capillary blood flow to a certain point. Press the tip of the patient's finger or toe nail for about two seconds. Relieve the pressure and note how long it takes for the blanched area to return to a pink colour.
Interpretation:
- healthy tissue - colour starts to return immediately that the pressure is relieved
- ischaemic tissue - response is delayed, in proportion to the severity of arterial insufficiency
- necrotic tissue - does not blanch