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Capillary nail refill test
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| Definition: |
A quick test performed on the nail beds that is an indicator of tissue perfusion (the amount of blood flow to tissue) and dehydration.
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| Alternative Names: |
Nail blanch test; Capillary refill time; CRT
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| How the test is performed: |
Pressure is applied to the nail bed until it turns white, indicating that the blood has been forced from the tissue (blanched). Once the tissue has blanched, pressure is removed, and the time it takes for blood to return to the tissue is measured. This is indicated by a pink color returning to the tissue.
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| How to prepare for the test: |
No preparation is necessary for the test.
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| How the test will feel: |
There will be minor pressure to the bed of your nail but it should not cause discomfort.
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| Why the test is performed: |
Oxygen, which is critical to the survival of tissue, is carried to various parts of the body by the blood (vascular) system. This test measures how well the vascular system is functioning in your extremities. If you are dehydrated, or tissue perfusion is blocked by other means, this quick test can alert you or your health care provider that care needs to be taken to restore normal vascular flow.
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| Normal Values: |
If there is good perfusion to the nail bed, a pink color should return to the nail be in less than two seconds after blanching the nail bed.
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| What abnormal results mean: |
Blanch times that are greater than 2 seconds may indicate:
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| What the risks are: |
No risks are associated with this test.
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Review Date: 11/20/2001
Reviewed By: Donna R. Cooper, M.D., M.P.H., Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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