Bleeding time is a medical test that measures how fast small blood vessels in the skin stop bleeding.
A blood pressure cuff is inflated around your upper arm. While the cuff is on your arm, the health care provider makes two small cuts on the lower arm. They are just deep enough to cause a tiny amount of bleeding.
The blood pressure cuff is immediately deflated. Blotting paper is touched to the cuts every 30 seconds until the bleeding stops. The provider records the time it takes for the cuts to stop bleeding.
Certain medicines can change blood test results.
- Tell your provider about all the medicines you take.
- Your provider will tell you if you need to temporarily stop taking any medicines before you have this test. This may include dextran and aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
- DO NOT stop or change your medicines without talking to your doctor first.
How the Test will Feel
The tiny cuts are very shallow. Most people say it feels like a skin scratch.
Why the Test is Performed
Normal Results
Bleeding normally stops within 1 to 9 minutes. However, values may vary from lab to lab.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Longer-than-normal bleeding time may be due to:
Risks
There is a very slight risk of infection where the skin is cut.
References
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Bleeding time, ivy - blood. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:181-266.
Pai M. Laboratory evaluation of hemostatic and thrombotic disorders. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 129.
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