By Sofia Öling
PhD student at TREC
The formation of a blood clot (a thrombus) in a blood vessel disturbs the normal blood flow, and if the vessel is completely blocked it can lead to necrosis, or cell death. The platelet cells in your body play a crucial role in the formation of clots. If you are healthy, the rate between coagulation and anticoagulation is in balance. This means that, when you need clot formation, for instance if you get a small cut or a scrub wound, your blood will form a clot to stop the bleeding, but it will not form more than necessary.