Capillary Replay: What a finger Press Tells You

Two press tests, one idea: use pressure to read microcirculation.

Capillary Refill Time (CRT)

Press nail bed ~5 sec → release.
Fast pink return (≈≤2 sec in warm adults) = ok.
Slow return = possible poor perfusion (interpret with context).

Blanch Test (Non-blanchable redness)

Press reddened skin ~3 sec → release.
Whitens then returns = ok.
Doesn’t blanch = early pressure injury risk.

Read it right

Warm the limb, good lighting.
Consider darker skin tones: check palms, lips, mucosa.
Time consistently; combine with vitals and overall assessment.

Bottom line: Press, release, observe—quick, low-tech insight into perfusion and skin integrity.


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