What is the expected capillary refill time in a healthy adult?

The expected capillary refill time in a healthy adult typically ranges from 2 to 3 seconds. A capillary refill time of less than 2 seconds can indicate good peripheral perfusion, but it is not usually considered the standard expectation in clinical practice. Therefore, while a capillary refill time of less than 2 seconds is a good sign, in a healthy adult, the more representative normal range is generally accepted as being slightly higher, aligning closer to around 2 to 3 seconds.

Capillary refill time is a quick, non-invasive assessment used to gauge circulating blood volume and peripheral perfusion. It is influenced by several factors, including ambient temperature and the patient's overall cardiovascular status. A time that falls below this threshold can suggest hyperdynamic circulation or other physiological conditions. However, recognizing that a cutoff of less than 3 seconds is widely accepted supports the reasoning behind determining healthy capillary refill expectations.