Antemortem injuries have the following features ;

a] Macroscopically - vital reactions (active bleeding, erythema, oedema, increased temperature) and evidence of healing (scab formation ,Scar formation, color changes).

b] Microscopically - Histopathological studies show evidence of vital reaction and healing (appearance of inflammatory cells, hyperaemia, granulation tissue formation) - 1-3 days   

c] Histochemical studies demonstrate elevation of enzymes.[ Acid phosphatase, Amino - peptidase, Esterase, Adinosine triphosphate, Histamine, serotonine]