Example of pitting edema in a person with liver failure. 1  Temperature-cool suggest poor circulation, sides should be compared. 2  Pitting edema-should be tested for in dependent locations-dorsum of foot, if present then on the shins. 3  Capillary refill-should be less than 3 seconds. Venous refill with dependency (should be less than 30 seconds) - the vein should bulge outward within 30 seconds of elevation for one minute. 2  Buerger's test (assessment of arterial sufficiency): 3  With the patient supine, note the colour of the feet soles.