Capillary refill varies with technique, temperature and lighting, so a standard method matters more than the number. The approach used in resuscitation trials is to press firmly on the pad of the index finger's distal phalanx — often with a glass slide — for about ten seconds until the skin blanches, release, and time the return of colour with a stopwatch in good light.
A refill over three seconds is generally taken as abnormal. Measure on a warm hand where possible, record the site, and repeat the same way so a trend means something.
- Press on the distal index finger pad for about ten seconds, then release and time the return of colour.
- Use a stopwatch and good light rather than counting in your head.
- Treat a refill over three seconds as abnormal in adults.
- Record the site and repeat the same way to follow the trend.
Why it matters
An inconsistent technique turns a useful target into noise.
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