Bruising
Alternate Names : Purpura, Hematoma, Ecchymoses, Contusion, Petechiae
How is the symptom diagnosed?
Tests used to diagnose bruising will vary, depending on the suspected cause.
First, the healthcare provider will take a complete medical history, including
any other symptoms or conditions that are present and any history of injury. A
thorough physical exam, to evaluate for possible underlying conditions, will
also be done.
The healthcare provider may also order X-rays, a bone biopsy, or a
bone
scan to evaluate for injury, tumors, or other conditions.
A spinal
tap may be done to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, the
fluid that surrounds the spinal column and brain. This fluid can be tested for
infection and other conditions that cause bruising.
Usually, several blood tests will be ordered, such as:
prothrombin time (PT), or INR, which are tests of blood clotting
fibrinogen levels, to check for bleeding disorders
a complete blood count, or CBC, to check for abnormal white blood cells or
platelets
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