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Capillary refill time
System: General & Eye–Ear Signs · All general & eye–ear signs
What it is — and how it is elicited
Pressing a fingertip or the sternum for five seconds blanches the skin; the colour normally returns within about two seconds of release.
What a positive finding suggests
A prolonged refill is associated with poor peripheral circulation or shock, and a brisk refill with a warm, vasodilated circulation.
Related signs — General & Eye–Ear Signs
Browse the C section of the A–Z list or return to the Clinical Signs hub.
Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.