Prolonged bleeding time.

The bleeding time is the most frequently used test of platelet function. This review of the literature relating to the bleeding time outlines the causes and management of prolonged bleeding time. The bleeding time appears to have its greatest utility in evaluation of a patient with active bleeding or one with a well-documented bleeding history. It should not be used as a substitute for a clinical history, since there is insufficient information available to calculate its sensitivity, specificity, or predictive value with regard to peri- or postoperative hemorrhage.