Post-Mortem Clots

• 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.