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The Bleeding Time is a measure of
how quickly blood clots, using platelets, coagulation factors, and small
vessel vasospasm.
A small (1-2 mm deep) stab wound is made in the earlobe (Duke
technique) or the forearm (Ivy technique). The wound is blotted every 30
seconds with gauze. When all bleeding has stopped, the test is completed.
The bleeding time is the time from the stab wound to the time that no
further bleeding is detectable.
Prolongation of Bleeding Time is seen in:
- Thrombocytopenia
- Platelet malfunction (aspirin)
- Abnormal clotting factors
- Hypofibrinogenemia
- DIC
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Normal Values*
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Earlobe (Duke) |
< 8 minutes |
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Forearm (Ivy) |
<9.5 minutes |
*These are general values taken from a variety of
sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one
type of testing protocol to another.
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Source:
Operational Medicine 2001, Health
Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau
of Medicine and Surgery, Department
of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300
OB-GYN 101:
Introductory Obstetrics & Gynecology
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