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===Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time===
 
===Buccal Mucosal Bleeding Time===
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The buccal mucosal bleeding time is a simple test that gives a rapid assessment of platelet function, providing platelet numbers are normal. If platelet numbers are below 50x10<sup>9</sup>l, this test should not be performed since bleeding may not be easily stopped.
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The buccal mucosal bleeding time is a simple test that gives a rapid assessment of platelet function, providing platelet numbers are normal. If platelet numbers are below 50x10<sup>9</sup>l, this test should not be performed since bleeding may not be as easily stopped.
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The buccal mucosal bleeding time (BMBT) is one of the only clinically available methods of measuring platelet
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function. It is performed by use of a standardized bleeding device to make an incision in the buccal mucosa of the
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upper lip. The duration of time between making the incision and the cessation of bleeding is measured. The upper
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lip is kept turned up (usually by a gauze muzzle) through out the procedure and blood is gently absorbed away
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from the incision without disturbing the clot. A normal BMBT is considered to be approximately 3 minutes and
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greater than 5 minutes is considered prolonged.
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Abnormalities in platelet function and significant thrombocytopenia (<50,000/microL) will cause prolongations in
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the BMBT. Causes of thrombocytopathia include uremia, non-steroidal drug therapy such as aspirin and von
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Willebrands disease. Unfortunately the BMBT is a fairly crude test of platelet function and it has been found to be
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normal in some patients with a known platelet function disorder and abnormal in patients with normal platelet
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function. As such the results of this test should be interpreted with some caution.
    
When a small slit is made in the skin, the hemostatic mechanisms necessary for coagulation are activated. Without the aid of external pressure, bleeding usually stops within 7 to 9 minutes.
 
When a small slit is made in the skin, the hemostatic mechanisms necessary for coagulation are activated. Without the aid of external pressure, bleeding usually stops within 7 to 9 minutes.
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