Duke's method is a procedure used to measure bleeding time, which assesses how quickly blood clots to stop bleeding. The process involves a small, controlled puncture wound and observation of bleeding.
How Duke's Method Works:
- Preparation: The area to be pricked, usually the earlobe or fingertip, is cleaned with alcohol.
- Puncture: A special, sterile needle or lancet is used to make a small prick about 3-4 mm deep.
- Observation: Immediately after the prick, the blood is gently wiped with filter paper every 30 seconds until bleeding stops.
- Timing: The time it takes for the bleeding to stop is recorded as the bleeding time.
Step-by-step Summary:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Area Cleaning | Clean the puncture area | Typically the earlobe or fingertip, using alcohol swab. |
| 2. Puncture | Create a small puncture | Use a sterile needle or lancet, about 3–4 mm deep. |
| 3. Blood Wiping | Gently wipe blood with filter paper | Every 30 seconds to monitor bleeding. |
| 4. Bleeding Stop Time | Record the time when bleeding has stopped | This is noted as the bleeding time in Duke's Method. |
Key Points:
- Purpose: To determine the time it takes for a small wound to stop bleeding and assess the efficiency of primary hemostasis (the body's initial response to stop bleeding).
- Location: The earlobe or fingertip are preferred sites.
- Depth: The puncture is about 3-4 mm deep to ensure consistent results.
- Timing: Bleeding is checked every 30 seconds using filter paper.
- End of Test: The test concludes when the bleeding stops entirely.
Duke's method is a relatively simple and quick test to perform, providing crucial information on how well the body’s clotting mechanisms work.
