The measurement of clot elasticity and fracture strain is carried out using a rotational rheometer with a controlled stress system. The elasticity is quantified by a shear elastic modulus and fracture strain by a critical strain (deformation) when the clot begins to break up. The results indicate a decrease of elasticity and increase of fracture strain of the clot with increasing hematocrit. Moreover, the elastic modulus of the clot is not constant but increasing with deformation.

Institute of Hydrodynamics Academy of Sciences Prague Czech Republic