Bleeding Time

Bleeding time refers to a medical test performed in an effort to try and identify the amount of time that the body takes to prevent any bleeding. The procedure is overcast with some amount of controversy with the medical fraternity largely divided on its overall usefulness when it comes to predicting surgical bleeding. Normal bleeding time will depend heavily on the type of bleeding time lab test that has been performed on the patient. In fact, it is these set values that are then compared with the readings of the bleeding time test that are performed on the individual in order to identify the platelet count and the potency of the body to heal its own wounds.

Ivy Bleeding Time Test

The Ivy bleeding time test is probably the most popular method of the test and is the most invasive method of all tests that are focused on identifying bleeding time. The Ivy bleeding time test is where the physician will make have to make a slight incision on the front side of your forearm. However, before that is performed, a pressure cuff will first be positioned on the upper area of the arm and blown to 40 mmHg. A scalpel or lancet will then be used so as to create a rather small incision which should specifically measure about a millimeter deep on in the forearm. Once this has been done, a filter paper or piece of paper towel is touched onto the wound every 30 seconds up until the bleeding stops completely. The time taken from the time the incision has been made to the time the bleeding has completely stopped is known as the bleeding time and this entire process is known as the Ivy bleeding time test. Normal values of the ivy bleeding time test is about 2 to 9 minutes.

Dukes Bleeding Test

The other bleeding time test that is used is the Duke method. In order to perform this test first the targeted area needs to be swabbed with some alcohol. With the help of a lancet or a needle the area will then be pricked. The most common areas targeted for the Dukes bleeding test are the earlobe and the fingertip. The incision should be nothing more than about 3 to 4 mm in depth. Again, the use of a touch paper is incorporated and touched to the incision every few seconds that the patient continues to bleed. Normal values that show up in a Duke bleeding test method are usually around 1 to 3 minutes.

Bleeding Time Test Results and CPT Code

The bleeding time test CPT code will depend on which type of procedure has been performed. Details of the CPT codes can be easily found through a variety of sources such as the internet as well as medical journals. Preparation for the test will require you to avoid taking any medications for a few days before the commencement of the test as they are likely to interfere with the results. Drugs like NSAIDS and salycilates are known to increase bleeding times.

In order to get the right results of the bleeding test, it is important to make sure that all aspects of the procedure are followed strictly. For instance, one of the most common mistakes made in labs all over the world is to place the pressure cuff at more than 40mm Hg. Placing an excessive amount of pressure on the incision device while making the cut is also likely to make the incision too deep – thereby altering the amount of blood that will seep through the incision. Disturbing the clotting with the use of filter paper is also something that needs to be looked at very carefully in order to avoid inaccurate results.