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Bleeding Time (BT) Test

Bleeding time is a simple test which tests vascular integrity, qualitative, and quantitative platelet defects- i.e. the formation of primary platelets plug.

bleeding time is a simple test, but it lacks sensitivity, and reproducibility, especially if technologists are using non-standardized methods.

Principle of Bleeding Time:-

A standard incision is made on the volar/ventral surface of the forearm, just 2 inches above the elbow, and the time the incision continues to bleed is measured. Cessation of bleeding means the formation of the primary platelet plug, in which its formation is dependent on the platelets quantity and quality, and also on vascular integrity.

IVY’s Method:-

In the Ivy’s Method, instead of making one incision, two punctures are made which are 5-10 cm apart from each other, and two stop watches are started simultaneously, then the two times are averaged. The normal range is usually between 2 to 7 minutes, with a time of 7-11 minutes to be border line.

Prolonged bleeding time is associated with:-

-Vascular diseases (e.g. scurvy).

– Quantitative Platelets disorders (thrombocytopenia).

-Qualitative platelets defects (e.g. thrombasthenia).

-Ingestion of Aspirin and other anti-platelet drugs.

-Von-Willebrand disease (vWD).

-Severe deficiencies of factor:- v, XI, VIII, and fibrinogen.

Normal Range:-

2.5-9.5 minutes.