**5. Conclusions**

Utility of Measuring MP in venous thromboembolism is yet to be fully established . The case for measuring MP in cancer related VTE is perhaps stronger. There are three areas within which the potential for detecting and measuring MP with respect to venous thromboembolism may be relevant.

#### **5.1 Diagnostic**

The evidence for using measurement of MP in a diagnostic setting is limited. The studies so far have shown variable results depending on whether TF bearing MP, functional activity or total MP were measured. With respect to VTE MP have been assessed in the paradigm of VTE, diagnosis in a small pilot study where it was shown that D-dimer, P-selectin and total MP levels predicted thrombosis as demonstrated on Doppler ultrasound (Ramacciotti; Rectenwald, 2005). The role of MP in diagnosis of VTE warrants confirmation in prospective cohort studies. The standardization of measurement of MP will go a long way in ensuring comparability of such studies.
