Bleeding Time & Clotting Time
Bleeding Time & Clotting Time
Bleeding time and clotting time are haemostasis tests assessing different aspects of blood coagulation. Bleeding time measures the time it takes for a small, standardized skin incision to stop bleeding, evaluating platelet function and capillary integrity. Clotting time assesses the overall efficiency of the coagulation cascade by measuring the time it takes for blood to form a clot after adding a clotting agent. Both tests aid in diagnosing bleeding disorders, clotting factor deficiencies, or platelet abnormalities.
Thus, getting this test done aids clinicians in understanding blood clotting mechanisms
What is the test used for?
A bleeding time and clotting time test is most often used to:
Monitor warfarin treatment (Warfarin is a blood-thinning agentprescribed to treat and prevent blood clots)
Understand the reason behind abnormal blood clots
Understand the reason behind abnormal bleeding
Monitor clotting function before surgery
Find out liver abnormalities
Who should get tested?
A bleeding and clotting time test is recommended in individuals who:
Take warfarin medicine regularly
Have symptoms of bleeding or clotting disorders
Bruise easily
Have severe nose bleeds
Have unusually heavy menstrual bleeds (in women)
Have liver problems
Test preparation
No special preparations are required to undergo bleeding and clotting time test. Please tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any prescription or non-prescription medicines such as Ayurveda or herbal drugs
Interpretation of the Test Results
The normal bleeding time ranges from 1 to 9 minutes.
The normal clotting time ranges from 8 to 15 minutes.
Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
Longer than normal bleeding levels may indicate the following conditions:
· Low platelet count (Thrombocytopenia)
· Blood vessel defect
· Platelet aggregation defect (blood clot formation defect)
Longer than normal clotting levels may indicate the following conditions:
· Liver disease
· Vitamin K deficiency
· Clotting factor deficiency
· Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (abnormal blood clots throughout the blood vessels)
FAQs
How is the bleeding & clotting time test performed?
During the test, a healthcare provider places a blood pressure cuff on your upper arm and inflates it. Simultaneously, two small incisions are made on your lower arm, inducing minimal bleeding. Once the cuff is promptly deflated, blotting paper is applied to the cuts at 30-second intervals until bleeding ceases. The healthcare provider notes the duration it takes for the cuts to stop bleeding and also the time it takes for a blood clot to form
Are there any risks associated with bleeding & clotting time testing?
The tests are generally safe, but there is a minimal risk of infection or excessive bleeding at the incision sites
What factors might affect my bleeding & clotting time test results?
Acute blood loss, recent surgeries, stress, severe trauma, burns, aging, obesity, using oral contraceptive pills, insulin resistance, tobacco usage, pregnancy, and certain medications such as aspirin, can affect your test results. So, it is recommended to consult your healthcare provider before undergoing the test
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for the bleeding & clotting time test?
The result of the bleeding and clotting time test is usually available within a few hours following the completion of the test. This duration may vary depending on the diagnostic clinic
Do abnormal results always indicate a serious health issue?
Abnormal results may prompt further investigation, but they do not necessarily confirm a serious health problem. Additional tests and clinical evaluation are often needed for a comprehensive diagnosis. So, it is advised to consult your healthcare provider to know your specific results
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