capillary refill time

Capillary refill time (CRT) is a quick test to assess blood circulation in the body. It measures how long it takes for color to return to a nail bed or skin after pressure is applied, which temporarily cuts off blood flow. Normally, this color return should happen within two seconds. A longer refill time may indicate poor blood flow, which can signal underlying health issues, such as dehydration or shock. CRT is often used in medical settings as a simple indicator of a person's cardiovascular health.