What is a normal capillary refill time?

A normal capillary refill time typically falls within the range of 2 seconds or less. Capillary refill time is a clinical test used to assess peripheral perfusion, which is an indicator of circulatory status. The measurement is taken by pressing on a nail bed or other area where blood can be seen and then observing how quickly color returns to that area after the pressure is released.

In healthy individuals, the return of color should occur rapidly, ideally within 2 seconds, reflecting adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues. A capillary refill time longer than this can indicate potential issues with blood circulation, such as decreased perfusion due to hypovolemia, shock, or other forms of cardiovascular impairment. Thus, knowing the normal standard of 2 seconds or less is vital for the assessment of an animal's health status in a laboratory or clinical setting.