haematology

ISTH Bleeding Assessment Tool (ISTH-BAT)

Standardised bleeding score to identify patients with possible bleeding disorders (von Willebrand disease, platelet function disorders). Score >3 in males and >5 in females suggests significant bleeding disorder.

Epistaxis (spontaneous, lasting >10 min or requiring medical attention)*

Cutaneous symptoms (bruising ≥5 cm without trauma)*

Bleeding from minor wounds*

Oral cavity bleeding (gum bleeding, mouth ulcers)*

GI bleeding (spontaneous, not due to ulcer/portal hypertension)*

Tooth extraction bleeding*

Post-surgical bleeding*

Menorrhagia (females only)

Post-partum bleeding (females only)

Muscle bleeds (spontaneous)*

Haemarthrosis (spontaneous joint bleeding)*

CNS bleeding (intracranial/intraspinal)*

Score interpretation

Normal (Males) 0–3

Score ≤3 in males — normal bleeding history. Low suspicion for bleeding disorder.

→ No further haematological workup indicated for bleeding symptoms alone

Normal (Females) 0–5

Score ≤5 in females — normal bleeding history

→ No further haematological workup indicated for bleeding symptoms alone

Abnormal (Possible Bleeding Disorder) 4–99

Score >3 males / >5 females — abnormal bleeding history

→ Refer to haematology; investigate for VWD, platelet function disorder, or coagulation factor deficiency

Interpretation bands for the ISTH-BAT. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.

References

Rodeghiero F et al. Standardization of bleeding symptoms: the use of bleeding score for standardization of bleeding assessment tool. J Thromb Haemost. 2010;8(2):220–229.

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

Drugs

Pathways

Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.

Score interpretation

References

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