What is Bleeding time?
Platelet is the component of the blood that is involved in the blood clotting procedure, these are small fragments of cells that make a plug or cluster and aggregate together at the injury site to stop the bleeding. The clotting procedure is a multistep procedure involving vasoconstriction, aggregation of the platelets, and the clotting factors activation.
Bleeding time is a blood diagnostic test that involves the assessment of the time it takes for the bleeding to stop after a cut or puncture on the skin. The bleeding test primarily evaluates the functioning of platelets. Several conditions are the cause of abnormal bleeding time such as disorders associated with platelet disorders, deficiencies in the clotting factor, and vascular disorders.
How is the Test Performed?
The bleeding test is a straightforward and minimally invasive test and the procedure involves the incision of a small cut.
Preparation
- Patients should avoid taking vitamin C supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs before the test.
- Inform your healthcare provider about any medication you are taking as some medicines such as aspirin, blood thinners, etc. interfere with the blood clotting time.
- Stay calm during the test for a smooth testing procedure.
- People should stay still during the test to avoid interference with the blood flow.
Procedure
- On the forearm or the earlobe, a small cut or incision is made with a sterile lancet or a cutting tool.
- After incision the technician monitors the time with a stopwatch or a timer when the bleeding stops.
- Once the bleeding stops the technician blots the wound with a clean tissue or alcoholic pad.
What are the symptoms that prompt this test?
The healthcare provider may suggest this test when an individual is experiencing symptoms of a clotting disorder or an abnormal function of the platelet. The following symptoms prompt this test;
General symptoms
- Frequent, Easy and unexplained bruising
- Bleeding excessively after a minor injury
- Bleeding that is prolonged after a dental procedure or surgery
- Heavy, irregular, and abnormal menstrual bleeding
- A family history of clotting disorders
What are Normal Ranges for This Test?
The normal bleeding time for this test is 2 to 9 minutes. However, the results vary based on the age and gender of the individual. Other factors that might influence the bleeding time are health conditions such as liver condition, deficiency of vitamin C, certain medications, and various other factors.
**The reference time given above is for general guidelines only. For correct interpretations and diagnosis consult your healthcare provider. **
What Happens if Test Results Show Abnormal Levels?
Abnormal bleeding time indicates that the person is affected by an underlying health condition mentioned below;
- Platelet deficiency or dysfunction: It is the condition in which the platelets are unable to make an aggregated plug at the site of injury causing prolonged bleeding time.
- Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia
- Bernard-Soulier syndrome
- Bone marrow disorders
- Autoimmune disorders
- Hemophilia A and B
- Von Willebrand disease
- Liver disease
- Scurvy
- Marfan syndrome
