Prolonged bleeding time

What it means

Prolongation of the time taken for a standardized skin cut of fixed depth and length to stop bleeding.

The bleeding time test measures the time taken for blood vessel constriction and platelet plug formation to occur. No clot is allowed to form, so that the arrest of bleeding depends exclusively on blood vessel constriction and platelet action. To perform the test, pressure is maintained throughout the test by inflating a sphygmomanometer cuff on the upper arm. The dorsal surface of the forearm is then cleaned, and the bleeding time device placed onto the skin and the trigger is depressed. At 30-second intervals, the flow of blood is blotted with filter paper. The time from puncture to cessation of bleeding is then recorded as the bleeding time. Normal values depend on the device used and other parameters, but are around 2 to 9 minutes.

Rare diseases that can present with this14

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Increased bleeding time