Capillary refill

Capillary refill is the rate at which blood refills empty capillaries. It can be measured by holding a hand higher than heart-level (prevents venous reflux), pressing the soft pad of a finger or toe until it turns white, and taking note of the time needed for the color to return once pressure is released. Normal refill time is less than 2 seconds. In newborn infants, capillary refill can be measured by pressing on the sternum for five seconds with a finger or thumb, and noting the time needed for the colour to return once the pressure is released. The upper normal limit for capillary refill in newborns is 3 seconds [1]. The capillary refill time (CRT) is a common indication of dehydration and peripheral perfusion.[2] It is generally accepted that the test can be highly variable between different patients, and therefore should not be relied upon as a universal diagnostic measure. It is however very useful as supporting evidence for a positive sign of poor perfusion to the extremities. The CRT test (also sometimes referred to as CFT in Podiatric language)is often referred to as the Nail blanch test.[3] A CRT can also be assessed in animals by pressing on their gums as opposed to the sternum which is generally covered with fur or inaccessible.

See also

References

  1. ^ Krzysztof S Strozik, Clarissa H Pieper, Jacques Roller (1997-01-13). Capillary refilling time in newborn babies: normal values. doi:10.1136/fn.76.3.F193. http://fn.bmj.com/content/76/3/F193.abstract. 
  2. ^ David C. Dugdale, III, MD (2009-05-07). "Capillary nail refill test". http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003394.htm. Retrieved 2010-11-27. 
  3. ^ David C. Dugdale, III, MD (2009-05-07). "Nail blanch Test". Medline Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/9154.htm. Retrieved 2010-11-27. 

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