Summary
We compared the Ivy bleeding time method and two alternatives of the Simplate II®
method (incisions in horizontal and vertical direction) with each other, with regard
to the sensitivity, the specificity, the costs and the burden for the patient. In
the aspirin study an aspirin-induced bleeding defect was used. Seventy-two healthy
volunteers were randomized to receive either 500 mg acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or
a placebo. Double blinding was maintained throughout the study. In the anticoagulation
study 62 patients participated, who received oral anticoagulants (OAC) for various
reasons. All participants received two bleeding time methods. The burden for the participants
of each method was screened by a small standard questionnaire.
The differences in sensitivity and specificity between the three methods proved minimal.
The Ivy method was more often preferred by the participants than the Simplate methods.
Since a choice on the basis of sensitivity and specificity appears not possible, we
prefer the Ivy method because of lower costs and less burden.
