Patients suffering from hemorrhagic disorders often present with only minimal bleeding during surgery or injuries. However, some patients have life-threatening bleeding. Simple screening tests can be used to find the cause of the bleeding: patient and family histories provide information on whether the bleeding tendency is hereditary or acquired. Clinical examination can reveal the bleeding type. Measurement of platelet count can be used to exclude thrombocytopenia. Coagulation tests, such as prothrombin time (PT, Quick) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) can supply initial information concerning deficiency states of coagulation factors. Bleeding time is often prolonged in patients suffering from von Willebrand disease, thrombocytopenia or thrombocytopathy. If--due to the results of these screening tests-further testing of particular coagulation factors or platelet function is needed, then patients should be referred to a centre specialized in blood coagulation.