Bleeding time
How the test is performed:
A blood pressure cuff is placed on the upper arm and inflated. Two incisions are made on the lower arm. These are about 10 mm (less than 1/2 inch) long and 1 mm deep (just deep enough to cause minimal bleeding). The blood pressure cuff is immediately deflated. Blotting paper is touched to the cuts every 30 seconds until the bleeding stops. The length of time it takes for the cuts to stop bleeding is recorded.
How to prepare for the test:
Adults: No special preparation is necessary.
Infants and children: The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How the test will feel:
The incisions are very shallow and feel like a scratch.
Why the test is performed:
This test is useful for detecting bleeding tendencies.
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