Comparison of bleeding time and clotting time between males and females

Abstract

Background: Bleeding time (BT) depends on various factors such as functions of platelets and endothelial cells of arteries and pathways of coagulation. Clotting time (CT) is increased due to the absence or abnormality of clotting factors. BT is increased in females due to the presence of estrogens which, in turn, reduce the functions of platelets. CT is also increased in females as compared to males because of increased estrogen in females which prolongs CT and decreases plasma fibrinogen level. BT is decreased in males due to increased activation and aggregation of platelets. Aims and Objectives: Comparison of BT and CT between males and females. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, TMMC and RC over a period of 1 year. A group of 200 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 30 years was taken for study. Of 200 volunteers, 84 were male and 116 were female. The BT was determined by Duke’s method using Whatman filter paper. CT was determined by capillary tube method. Data were analyzed using SPSS software 23. The comparison of mean BT and CT between males and females was done using unpaired t-test. Results: The comparison of mean BT and CT between males and females was done using unpaired t-test. It was found that the mean BT and CT in males were 128.69 and 219.88 respectively. The mean BT and CT in females were 133.28 and 223.97, respectively. The mean BT (P = 0.047) and CT (P = 0.046) were more in females as compared to males. Differences were statistically significant. Conclusion: The present study indicates that BT and CT were significantly more in females as compared to males.