Tension generated by the aggregating RBCs within platelet-depleted clots measured with a rheometer. (A) Average maximal normal force generated by platelet-depleted reconstituted blood clots at 60 minutes after clot formation (mean ± standard error of the mean, n = 4 different donors). The RBC-related tension was determined as the difference between the maximal normal forces generated by the clots in the presence and absence of RBCs. (B) A representative tensile curve showing the dynamics of the tensile (normal) force generated by an RBC-containing platelet-depleted plasma clot formed between fixed horizontal plates of the rheometer.