What it means
The nurse presses on a fingernail or toenail until it turns pale, lets go and counts the seconds until the pink color comes back. It shows how well blood is reaching the fingers and toes. A normal time is less than 3 seconds. Cold skin, nail polish and poor lighting can make it hard to read.
For the nurse
Compare both sides and chart the time in seconds. Check it with other circulation findings, such as pulses, skin temperature and color, especially in a limb with a cast or after vascular surgery.
In a chart
"Capillary refill less than 3 seconds in all extremities."
At a glance
| Also written | capillary refill time |
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Related terms
perfusion
The flow of blood through the body's tissues, bringing them oxygen and nutrients.
capillary
One of the tiniest blood vessels, joining the smallest arteries to the smallest veins.
peripheral artery disease
Narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the legs, and sometimes the arms, usually from fatty plaque.