Coagulation is a normal response to a cut and helps to stop the bleeding.
Upon injury, substances in the blood are activated and a clot begins to form. Patients who are post-surgical, bedridden, or who are predisposed to forming blood clots often need anticoagulant therapy. These medicines make the coagulation process less sensitive. While their blood still clots, it takes longer for the clot to form. Sometimes anticoagulants are referred to as blood thinners because it takes longer for the blood to clot.