Post-Mortem Clots
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- Post-mortem clots arise when blood clots within the vessels after death.
- Must be distinguished from thrombosis.
- Unlike thrombi, post-mortem clots are not attached to the vessel wall,
- They have a slimy suface.
- There is separation of the red cell content by gravitation.
- Upper portion is cell free and is a pale cloudy colour - "chicken fat clot".
- Lower portion is rich in red blood cells - "redcurrant jelly clot".
- The development of post mortem clots is a highly variable phenomenon.
- Activation of the fibrinolytic system prior to, or immediately after death may prevent clotting.