What does capillary refill time indicate?

Capillary refill time is a clinical assessment used to evaluate the efficiency of peripheral perfusion and overall circulatory status. When a healthcare provider applies pressure to a nail bed, causing it to blanch, and then observes how quickly normal color returns when the pressure is released, they can gauge how well blood is circulating to the extremities.

A normal capillary refill time is typically less than two seconds, indicating adequate perfusion. Delayed capillary refill can suggest compromised blood flow, which may occur due to various conditions such as shock or dehydration. In this context, monitoring capillary refill is a vital part of assessing a patient’s circulatory status, especially in emergency situations where rapid evaluation can influence treatment decisions.

This assessment does not directly reflect heart rate stability, respiratory function, or temperature regulation, making it specific to the evaluation of peripheral blood flow and perfusion.