The Bleeding Time: Review of Basic Principle, Clinical Applications, and Laboratory Pitfalls

Authors

  • Chaicharoen Tantanate Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10700

Keywords:

Bleeding time, Clinical applications, Pitfalls

Abstract

The bleeding time is one of the oldest tests for primary hemostasis which is still performed nowadays.This test
evaluates mainly the primary hemostatic function. Some preanalytical variables including patients’ physiology and hematological
status may impact test results. Various protocols of bleeding time are performed. Each method has pros and cons,
although the template bleeding time is currently preferred over other methods because it is well-standardized. Interpretation
of the results according to a well-established reference range is important. At the moment, indications of bleeding time are
very limited due to its poor sensitivity and reproducibility. More sensitive and specific assays have been developed for the
diagnosis of specific conditions. However bleeding time is still useful in uremic patients. A cautionary note - this test should
not be used as a screening test for prediction of bleeding preoperatively.

Downloads

Published

05-08-2016

How to Cite

Tantanate, C. (2016). The Bleeding Time: Review of Basic Principle, Clinical Applications, and Laboratory Pitfalls. Siriraj Medical Journal, 65(1), 24–29. Retrieved from https://he02.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/sirirajmedj/article/view/64160

Issue

Vol. 65 No. 1 (2013): January-February

Section

Case Report

License

Users are free to share, copy, and redistribute all articles published in the Siriraj Medical Journal (SMJ) in any medium or format as long as you follow the following terms:

  • Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the material, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the publisher endorses you or your use.
  • NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
  • NoDerivatives — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material.
  • No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.