Analysis index

Bleeding time should measured at the medical centre, the clinic or the laboratory. Acetylsalicylic acid and non steroidal antiinflammatory agents should be discontinued 1 week before the examination. Paracetamol can be used as analgetic if necessary. Bleeding time can only be measured reliably if platelet count and function are normal.

Method:

Bleeding time according to Duke:

• puncture digital pulp with a lancet
• start stop-watch
• soak carefully every 30 seconds the developing blood drop with a filter paper until the paper is not colored any more by blood (the bleeding has stopped). No pressure should be exerted on the wound. The puncture point should not be touched by the soaking filter paper.

Influencing factors:

• several variables can affect the bleeding time: depth, orientation and localisation of the puncture, temperature and blood circulation of the skin.