Bleeding Time

Bleeding time is a clinical laboratory test performed to evaluate platelet function.

• Introduction
• Principle
• Method
• Specimen
• Normal Range
• Requirement
• Procedure
• Note

Introduction

• Determination of bleeding time helps to detect vascular defects and platelet disorders.
• Prolonged bleeding time is generally associated with thrombocytopenia. In the case of von Willebrand’s disease, bleeding time is high with a normal platelet count.
• It is caused by a platelet defect combined with factor VIII deficiency.

Principle of bleeding time

• 1Mm deep puncher is made on The ear lobe or finger of a patient. The length of time required for bleeding to cease is recorded.

Method

Dukes method

Specimen

Blood Collected by ear lobe or fingertip.

Normal Range

1 to 5 minute

Requirement

• Sterile lancet
• Spirit or 70% alcohol
• Circular filter Paper
• Stopwatch

Procedure

clean the fingertip and earlobe of the patient with a cotton swab

• Prick the ear lobe (fingertip) with a disposable and sterile needle or lancet deep up to 3 mm.

• Start the stopwatch the blood should flow freely without squeezing the earlobe (or fingertip).
• After 30 seconds collect the drop of blood at one corner of the filter paper do not touch the skin with the paper.

• It repeated three times in between the duration of 30 seconds.

• When bleeding is stopped then stop the time and note down the time.

NOTE :- if the bleeding is Prolonged for more than 10 minutes discontinue the test apply pressure to the bleeding stop