Capillary refill
/kæpʌlɛɹi/ /ɹifɪl/
1. [noun] a rapid and easy test for assessing blood flow through peripheral tissues. In the test pressure is applied to the nail bed until it turns white (blanches), and pressure is then removed; nail bed “pinking” indicates that blood has reflowed into the capillaries. Normal: A squeezed nail bed will usually return to a pink colour in 2-3vseconds. For SENIORS: up to 5 seconds is normal. Abnormal: results may be due to: Dehydration, hypothermia, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), shock. See: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/capillary+refill+time ; Accessed May 3 2019 NOTE: if nails are thickened or discolored a capilary refill must be done on the skin
Source: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/capillary+refill+time
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you use a capillary refill check on your toe nail bed to assess blood circulation in your foot?
By gently pressing a toe nail until it blanches and then releasing, you can observe the color return. A quick return to pink suggests good capillary function in the foot's small vessels.
Why might checking capillary refill on the toes help indicate peripheral blood flow in the foot?
Observing the refill rate in the toe nail bed offers an easy visual cue about circulatory efficiency. A swift return of color in the foot indicates that blood is reaching even the farthest parts of your extremities.
Is there a difference in capillary refill timing when checking the toes as opposed to other parts of the body?
Yes, while the basic mechanism is similar, refill times on the toes may vary slightly due to age-related factors or environmental conditions. Generally, a prompt return of color is a positive sign of adequate blood flow in the foot.