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Capillary refilling time

Authoring team

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

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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