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Speciality Spotlight
Bleeding Time
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P Peterson, TE Hayes, CF Arkin et al , 1998. (Cornell Univ, New York; Maine Med Ctr, Portland; Univ of Vermont,
Burlington ; et al) :
The Preoperative Bleeding Time Test Lacks Clinical Benefit: College of American Pathologists’ and American Society of Clinical Pathologists’ Position Article.
Arch Surg 133: 134-139
In the absence of history of a bleeding disorder, bleeding time is not a predictor of risk of haemorrhage during surgery. A normal bleeding time does not preclude excessive haemorrhage. Bleeding times cannot identify patients who have taken aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
A detailed and complete clinical history, rather than a bleeding time is the best way to detect a possible bleeding problem.
