Schematic of the phase dynamics of blood clot contraction. (A) The process of clot contraction results in the shrinkage of clot volume over time. This process can be roughly separated into 3 phases: initiation of contraction, linear contraction, and mechanical stabilization. (B) Various processes involving platelets, fibrin, and/or RBCs impact the procession of clot contraction through the 3 phases. (C) Clot contraction is driven by a dynamic equilibrium between effects of the major blood components that can increase or decrease the extent of contraction.