Capillary refill
Capillary Refill
Capillary refill (pronounced: /ˈkapɪləri rɪˈfɪl/) is a simple, quick, and non-invasive test performed by healthcare professionals to assess peripheral perfusion and cardiac output.
Etymology
The term "capillary refill" is derived from the Latin words "capillaris" meaning "hair-like" and the Old French "refill" meaning "to fill again".
Definition
Capillary refill refers to the time taken for color to return to an external capillary bed after pressure has been applied to cause blanching. It is used as a measure of the dehydration status, peripheral circulation, and cardiac output in a patient.
Procedure
The capillary refill test is performed by applying pressure to a patient's nail bed until it turns white, and then releasing the pressure. The time it takes for the color to return to normal is the capillary refill time. A normal capillary refill time is usually less than 2 seconds.
Related Terms
- Peripheral circulation: The part of the circulatory system that serves the outer areas of the body.
- Cardiac output: The amount of blood the heart pumps through the circulatory system in a minute.
- Dehydration: A harmful reduction in the amount of water in the body.
- Blanching: The whitening of skin due to pressure or cold.
Clinical Significance
A prolonged capillary refill time can be a sign of shock or poor peripheral perfusion, which can be caused by conditions such as hypovolemia, heart failure, or hypothermia. It is also used as a diagnostic tool in pediatric patients to assess dehydration status.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Capillary refill
- Wikipedia's article - Capillary refill
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