Bleeding Time

The Ivy Template is the most commonly used method. It measures the time taken for the formation of PLATELET PLUGS that stop bleeding in vivo against a pressure of 40mm Hg. The pressure is applied by means of a blood pressure cuff to the upper arm. Tiny vessels are severed in the skin of the forearm by making two 1cm long, 1mm deep incisions. The time for bleeding to stop is measured.

Normal Time: 3 - 8 minutes.
A prolonged bleeding time is useful in the diagnosis of vWF deficiency and thrombocytopenia.