Measurement of Platelet Microparticles

Platelet microparticles are submicron vesicles that can support thrombin generation on externalized negatively charged phospholipids. Increased numbers of circulating platelet microparticles have been investigated as the basis of hypercoagulability in a variety of prothrombotic conditions. Measurement of platelet microparticles is not standardized and a number of preanalytic considerations can influence accurate analysis. We describe methodology for light scatter-based flow cytometry as well as impedance-based flow cytometry for the enumeration and characterization of platelet microparticles.