Bleeding Time (BT):

Assesses primary hemostasis – the ability of platelets and small blood vessels to stop bleeding.

Performed by making a small puncture and recording the time until bleeding stops.

Used to detect platelet function disorders and conditions like thrombocytopenia or von Willebrand disease.

Clotting Time (CT):

Measures the time taken for blood to clot in a test tube.

Evaluates the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade.

Helps detect clotting factor deficiencies, hemophilia, or other coagulation disorders.

Together, BT and CT provide a basic assessment of hemostasis and are often used as preliminary screening tests before surgery or when investigating unexplained bleeding/bruising.

Analyte/Focus:

BT → Platelet function and blood vessel response.

CT → Coagulation factors and clotting mechanism.

Normal Range:

BT: 2–9 minutes (varies by method and lab).

CT: 5–15 minutes (varies by method and lab).

Prolonged BT: May indicate platelet disorders, low platelet count, von Willebrand disease, or aspirin use.

Prolonged CT: May indicate hemophilia, clotting factor deficiencies, liver disease, or anticoagulant therapy.

Clinical Use:

Detects bleeding/clotting abnormalities.

Supports diagnosis of platelet or coagulation disorders.

Provides baseline information before surgical procedures.