Methodology for isolation, identification and characterization of microvesicles in peripheral blood

► Protease inhibitors as anticoagulates preserve microvesicle counts found in whole blood. ► Washed preparations of microvesicles provide the best fidelity for signal. ► Microvesicle counts are stable for at least one year in frozen platelet poor plasma. ► Microvesicle counts are stable up to three freeze thaw cycles of frozen platelet poor plasma.