Capillary refill
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Capillary refill is the rate at which blood
Blood
Blood is a specialized bodily fluid in animals that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells....

 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 neonates, 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 neonates is 3 seconds . The capillary refill time (CRT) is a common indication of dehydration and peripheral perfusion. 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. 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.

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