BT CT Test - Price, Purpose, Procedure, Results, & More

Table of Content

Introduction to BT CT Test

Bleeding Time (BT) and Clotting Time (CT) tests are blood tests that evaluate how well a person's blood clots. When you get a cut, your body needs blood cells called platelets and clotting factors to stop the bleeding and form a protective layer. However, in people with bleeding disorders, these platelets or clotting factors don't work the right way, leading to too much bleeding. The test is used to screen for bleeding disorders like von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, and platelet dysfunction. During the BT and CT tests, a small sample of your blood is taken to see how long it takes to clot. The goal is to understand how well your platelets and clotting factors are doing their job to prevent excessive bleeding.

If the results show something unusual, it may suggest that you need more detailed tests to figure out why you're experiencing prolonged bleeding. If you experience symptoms like excessive bruising, frequent nosebleeds, blood in stool or urine, or heavy menstrual bleeding, then consult your doctor. Based on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend a BT CT test. These tests help doctors understand how effectively your blood is clotting and can be really helpful for those who have had issues with bleeding for a long time. You can choose Redcliffe Labs as your diagnostic partner to get the BT and CT tests. The professional follows standard lab procedures and ensures that accurate and reliable test results are provided on time. 

Test details in brief

What is the purpose of the BT CT Test?

The BT CT Test, which combines the Bleeding Time (BT) and Clotting Time (CT) tests, serves several purposes- 

• Detects Bleeding Disorders- This is the most common reason for ordering the test. It can help diagnose various bleeding disorders, including Von Willebrand's disease, hemophilia, and platelet dysfunction. 
• Pre-surgical assessment- Before surgeries or procedures, the BT CT test can assess coagulation function and guide decisions like transfusion needs or medication adjustments.
• Monitoring medication effects- For patients taking medications that affect blood clotting, such as anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs, the BT CT test can monitor the medication's effectiveness and prevent excessive bleeding.
• Investigating excessive bleeding- If someone experiences excessive bleeding, like frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, or heavy menstrual periods, the BT CT test can help identify the underlying cause.

What does the BT CT blood test measure?

As the BT CT test combines two separate tests, it detects and measures different things for each component- 

Bleeding Time (BT)-  This test measures the time it takes for blood to stop bleeding from a small, standardized puncture on the forearm. A normal bleeding time typically falls within 2-7 minutes.

Clotting Time (CT)- The test measures the activation and functioning of the coagulation cascade. The overall time it takes for blood to clot in a test tube containing anticoagulants. A normal clotting time usually falls within 8-15 minutes.

The BT CT test provides a broader picture of a person's blood clotting ability by assessing the initial platelet-driven phase (BT) and the overall coagulation cascade activation (CT). 

Preparation for the BT CT test 

The BT CT test requires minimal preparation. Before taking the BT CT test, there are some pointers to keep in mind- 

• Consult your doctor- As some medications can affect blood clotting, it's important to inform your doctor about all your medications. 
• Fasting- Fasting is not required for the BT CT test. You can eat and drink normally.

The procedure of the BT CT Test

The BT and CT test is a simple blood test. The phlebotomist will collect the blood sample from your arm. 

During the process, the healthcare provider will first clean your forearm with an antiseptic to prevent infection. After that, he will tie or band on the arm area to make the veins more clear. Using a sterile needle, the healthcare provider will draw the blood sample. After sample collection, he will transfer the blood to a test tube containing a small amount of anticoagulant to prevent premature clotting. The healthcare professional carefully observes the blood for signs of clotting, such as fibrin strands forming and the blood becoming more solid. The time it takes for the blood to clot completely is recorded as the During the procedure, you might feel little sensation. The BT CT test usually takes around 15-20 minutes to complete.

What do the BT CT test results indicate?

The test reports will be available within 12 hours of the BT CT test. Consult your test reports with your doctor. The interpretation of BT CT results is made based on the patient's medical history, symptoms, and potential medications. Here is the breakdown of test results- 

Normal Results- The normal range of BT is 2-7 minutes. A normal BT means appropriate platelet function and initial clot formation. The normal range of CT time is 8-15 minutes. A normal CT indicates normal activation and function of the coagulation cascade.

Abnormal Results- 

• Abnormal Bleeding Time (BT)- Longer than 7 minutes indicates abnormal bleeding, which means platelet dysfunction, a low platelet count, or certain von Willebrand disease types. Further tests might be needed to pinpoint the specific cause.
• Abnormal Clotting Time (CT)- Greater than 15 minutes indicates deficiencies in specific clotting factors, like hemophilia or liver disease. Additional tests like PT (prothrombin time) and PTT (partial thromboplastin time) can help identify the involved factor.

Who should take the BT CT test?

The BT CT test is not recommended to everyone, but there are some people to whom doctor may advise the test- 

• People with symptoms of bleeding disorders
• People with a family history of bleeding disorders
• Before surgery or invasive procedures
• People taking medications that affect blood clotting
• People with liver disease

Always consult your doctor to discuss your concerns and explore whether the BT CT test is appropriate. They can provide personalized advice and guide you through the testing process to ensure optimal diagnosis and management of any potential bleeding concerns.

What are the common symptoms related to BT CT?

Here are some common symptoms related to Bleeding Time (BT) & Clotting Time (CT)- 

• Excessive bleeding after injuries or surgeries
• Frequent bruising without obvious trauma or injury
• Frequent nose bleeding 
• Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
• Blood in urine or stool 
• joints or muscles bleeding
• Family history of bleeding disorders

Additional symptoms- 

• Excessive bleeding after tooth extractions or minor cuts
• Bleeding gums
• Prolonged bleeding after injections
• Blood blisters in the mouth
• Excessive bleeding after childbirth

Not everyone with a bleeding disorder will notice the above symptoms. If you have any concerns about your bleeding disorder, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for evaluation and testing.

BT CT Test Price at Redcliffe Labs

The BT CT test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 100. You can easily book your test with the Redcliffe Labs App or call us to book your online appointment. We offer 3,600+ pathology and genomics tests and provide a one-stop solution for all your diagnostic requirements. With a network of over 2,000 collection centers and 80+ labs across 220+ cities in India, we ensure convenience and accessibility. You can easily locate us; search on Google, Redcliffe Labs near me," and you will find the lab near your area. We ensure to provide you with the lab test reports on time and accurately. Our prices are highly affordable and competitive, and we also offer a wide range of discounts and packages. Our labs are NABL and ISO-certified, ensuring adherence to stringent quality standards. Choose us for your BT and CT blood test; book your test now!

BT CT Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

We also offer this test in other cities in India. Please give us a call on 8988988787 to check availability in your area.

Decoding Clotting Abilities: The Significance of BT CT Testing 

The Bleeding Time (BT) and Clotting Time (CT) tests allow doctors to understand how well your blood can stop bleeding. When you get a cut or injury, your body must form a clot to prevent excessive bleeding. These tests check if the necessary components in your blood, like platelets and clotting factors, are working properly. People may undergo these tests if they experience symptoms like easy bruising, prolonged bleeding, or a family history of bleeding disorders. Abnormal results can suggest potential issues, and further tests may be needed to identify the exact cause. In addition, BT and CT tests are essential tests to check the ability of your blood to clot properly. It can provide valuable information for doctors to understand and address any concerns related to bleeding disorders, helping ensure your blood can perform its vital clotting function when needed.