The bleeding time test assesses primary hemostasis (vascular and platelet components) and is dependent on adequate functioning of platelets and blood vessels.
Causes of prolongation of bleeding time:
1. Thrombocytopenia
2. Disorders of platelet function
3. Von Willebrand disease
4. Disorders of blood vessels
Clotting time measures the time required for the blood to clot in a glass test tube kept at 37°C. Prolongation of clotting time only occurs in severe deficiency of a clotting factor and is normal in mild or moderate deficiency.
Note: Recommended test is Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin time (APTT)