Bleeding time

The bleeding time test is a medical means of which disturbances in the primary hemostasis, which is the bleeding can be detected.

Implementation

At the time of the bleeding time is determined by a blood flow stops. There are various methods.

Method of Ivy

In the bleeding time according to the modification of Ivy Mielke is a commonly used method. First, a blood pressure cuff on the upper arm of the patient is attached and at 40 mmHg ( 5.32 kPa) pressure so that the pressure conditions are standardized in the tissue. In the next step, a small incision with a defined length and depth is set at a low point of the forearm. Without touching the wound is removed every 30 seconds the outflowing blood with a sterile swab (or paper towel ). As soon as no more redness is detected on the swab, the bleeding time is considered complete.

The reference time is between 4 and 6 minutes.

Method according to Duke

Here a lancet stitch on the edge of the ear lobe, and is set as in the method according to the blood Ivy with pulp or paper every 15 seconds away.

The reference time is 3 to 5 minutes.

Bleeding time according to Marx

In this method, a lancet puncture is set in the fingertip. Immediately after the finger is in a water-filled bulb glass ( 37 ° C) is immersed. Subsequently, the time is measured to the visual cessation of bleeding.

The reference time is up to 2 minutes.

Diagnostic significance

For smaller injuries formed by the platelet thrombus for hemostasis provides. Therefore, the bleeding time is determined primarily by the number and function of the platelets.

Therefore, the bleeding time is at thrombocytopenia ( diseases that result have a reduced number (< 100/nl ) of platelets) and prolonged thrombocytopenia (not properly working platelets). Also this may be extended at the von Willebrand syndrome and taking aggregation inhibiting substances.

Other possible causes of altered bleeding time are dysproteinaemias, uremia and severe hypo- up afibrinogenemias.

The bleeding time is often performed as a screening test for organ punctures, but has not been established to what extent this value has significance beyond any possible complications.

In veterinary medicine, the mucosa bleeding time is determined for the same purpose.