10 - Use and Abuse of Tests

Question 1

5 reasons why bleeding time is a bad test

Answer 1

no evidence that standardizing has made it more useful
not specific test of in vivo platelet function
not a good screen for aspirin ingestion
cut on arm may not bleed same as elsewhere
doesnt correlate with other tests of platelet function

Question 2

which is a better measure of acute phase reaction - ESR or CRP?

Answer 2

CRP - shorter half life