In cases of hemarthrosis after minor trauma in a young child, which two tests should be included in the screening for potential bleeding disorders?

In the context of a young child experiencing hemarthrosis after minor trauma, the most pertinent tests to include in screening for potential bleeding disorders are coagulation studies and complete blood count.

Coagulation studies, which assess the functionality of the blood’s clotting factors, are critical in identifying any inherited or acquired bleeding disorders like hemophilia or von Willebrand disease. These tests help pinpoint issues with the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways of coagulation that could lead to excessive bleeding in response to minor injuries.

Additionally, a complete blood count (CBC) is essential as it provides information about the overall health of the child, including the number of red and white blood cells and platelets. A low platelet count could suggest a bleeding disorder, while abnormalities in other components could indicate various pathological conditions affecting blood production or function.

These two tests together form a foundational approach to diagnosing potential bleeding disorders before considering more specialized or specific tests.