Methods for detection of microparticles derived from blood and endothelial cells

Microparticles (MP-microparticles) - cell membrane vesicles 0.1-1 μm diameter, released in response to activation or apoptosis, both in physiological and pathological conditions. They reveal a wide spectrum of biological activities, express cell surface antigens characteristic for cells of their origin. In this article reviewed quantitative and qualitative methods for detection of microparticles, presents pre-analytical conditions as an potential source of variability in the analysis of MP. In conclusion there are several methods for detection of microparticles but they are not standarized. Methods of microparticles detection need to be standarized to be clinically relevant.