II. Protocol
- Perform in warm Ambient Temperature
- Perform on finger or arm held at heart level (skin over Sternum in infants)
- Press on skin to cause blanching
- Measure time in seconds for the blanched skin to return to the same color as surrounding skin
III. Interpretation
- Capillary Refill is prolonged if over 1.5 to 2 seconds
- Prolonged Capillary Refill Time suggests diminished localized Blood Flow or Dehydration