CAPILLARY REFILL - Many doctors look at the color under the fingernails (the nailbed) when assessing dehydration or other conditions that might result in compromised blood flow (e.g. anemia, blood loss). The capillary refill test is performed by pressing gently on a fingernail tip, to make the normally pink fingernail bed turn white. When this pressure is released, a well-hydrated (or mildly dehydrated person) will have enough blood flow to return the fingernail bed to its usual pinkish color in under two seconds. Individuals who are dehydrated, in shock, or have poor circulation to their extremities will have significantly delayed capillary refill. Occasionally, it is useful to compare capillary refill times in each extremity to see if there is a difference between them. See signs of dehydration.