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Decoding Your Blood Work: Tests for Bleeding Disorders
Published: Mar 25, 2024
Blood tests are crucial for diagnosing bleeding disorders. Understanding what these tests look for can help you make sense of your results and next steps.
The Basic Blood Tests
Your doctor will likely start with a complete blood count (CBC) to check your platelet levels. They'll also run tests called PT and aPTT, which measure how quickly your blood clots. These simple tests can reveal a lot about your blood's clotting ability and help guide further testing if needed.
Specialized Clotting Tests
If basic tests show abnormalities, your doctor may order more specific tests. These can include factor assays, which measure levels of specific clotting proteins in your blood. Von Willebrand factor tests look for the most common inherited bleeding disorder. Platelet function tests examine how well your platelets work to form clots.
Genetic Testing for Bleeding Disorders
In some cases, genetic tests may be recommended. These can identify inherited bleeding disorders like hemophilia or rare clotting factor deficiencies. Genetic testing is especially useful if you have a family history of bleeding problems. It can also help determine if you're a carrier of a bleeding disorder, which is important for family planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually not, but follow your doctor's instructions.
Basic tests often come back in 1-2 days, specialized tests may take longer.
Yes, inform your doctor of all medications you're taking.
The Bottom Line
Blood tests are a crucial tool for diagnosing bleeding disorders, but they're just one piece of the puzzle.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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