| name: | Bleeding Time |
| also known as: | Bleeding Test |
| also see: | Coagulation Test; Blood Count; Bleeding Disorder; Hemophilia; Hypercoagulable States; Thrombocytopenia; Thrombocytosis; ICD; CPT |
| description: | A bleeding time is a somewhat accurate, fairly standardized test that measures the time it takes a person to quit bleeding from a standardized skin prick. The test is performed by placing a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm inflated to 10 mmHg and using a spring loaded apparatus that delivers a consistent superficial cut to the forearm skin, and then measuring the time it takes for the bleeding to stop. The Ivy method normal values are 1 - 7 minutes, and the Template method normal values are 3 - 9 minutes (Simplate). Drugs known to affect bleeding time include aspirin, all NSAID, and dextran. Illnesses that might be picked up on abnormal bleeding times include hemophilia as well as variations such as von Willibrand's disease. Additionally, when a person's platelet count drops as in thrombocytopenia or even if the platelet count goes to high, such as in thrombocytosis, prolonged bleeding can occur. |
Last updated 6/28/2009