Capillary Refill Time (CRT) in Elderly: Normal Values and Measurement

Normal CRT: <3 seconds. In geriatric patients, up to 4 seconds may be normal due to reduced skin elasticity.

Factors Affecting CRT

• Age
• Anemia
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Shock
• Hypothermia
• Peripheral artery disease

CRT >4 seconds in elderly warrants investigation (blood tests, ECG).

Measurement Technique

1. Press fingernail/toenail for 5 seconds.
2. Release and start stopwatch.
3. Stop when color returns.
4. Record seconds.