Measurable Residual Disease for ALL by Flow Cytometry (Accredited)

Programme objective This programme issues stabilised whole blood into which has been spiked stabilised B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) material. Laboratories are required to determine the level of measurable residual disease by flow cytometry, please note this programme is not suitable for the measurement of MRD by molecular methods.

Clinical/scientific background The assessment of measurable Residual Disease (MRD) populations is often performed following treatment for leukaemic disorders. The levels of MRD are used as a predictive factor for relapse and as an indicator for patients entering remission. As such the measurement of MRD can have a direct effect on the treatment regimen of a patient.

Suitability These samples are suitable for flow cytometric analysis only, they are not suitable for molecular methods. For molecular MRD EQA programmes, please follow this link https://www.ukneqasli.co.uk/eqa-pt-programmes/molecular-haemato-oncology-programmes/

Sample type/distribution The programme issues a presentation sample together with 2 follow up samples four times per annum subject to sample availability. Please note that the presentation sample will not contain the expected level of disease seen in a typical clinical scenario. The 2 follow up samples are manufactured from the same B-ALL case and are designed to represent different stages post treatment to assess the ability of a centre to detect B-ALL leukaemic cells at measurable residual disease levels within a background of stabilised normal whole blood. Laboratories are requested to report the percentage of residual leukaemic cells in the 2 follow up samples as a percentage of the total leucocytes. A trial schedule may be found here https://www.ukneqasli.co.uk/eqa-pt-programmes/trial-schedules/

Trial duration Trials for this programme are live/open for 3 weeks. Please note, trials issued/closing in August or December are extended by 1 week. An automated email is sent 2 days prior to the trial closing, to any participant that has not returned results, warning them of the trial closure date.

Subcontracted areas Pre-issue and post-closure testing of samples for this programme are not subcontracted.

Updates to the programme for current or upcoming year: Further electronic exercises to be issued. 

To register for this programme, please click here.