Virchow's triad

System: Blood & Lymph Signs · All blood & lymph signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Three categories of factors that promote blood clot formation: stasis of blood flow, injury to the vessel wall, and increased clotting tendency of the blood.

What a positive finding suggests

A framework associated with the development of venous thromboembolism (deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism).

◈ Behind the name

Rudolf Virchow (1821–1902), German pathologist; the triad was assembled from his work by later writers.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.