Measurable Residual Disease for CLL by Flow Cytometry (Pilot - Not Accredited)

The measurement 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.

This programme issues stabilised whole blood with laboratories 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.

Each send out includes two follow up samples of a known CLL case post treatment at different time points. Participants will be asked to quantify the level of residual disease in these samples

Two samples are issued per trial and this programme issues samples a minimum of 2 times per annum and a maximum of 4.

Trials for this programme are live/open for a minimum of 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. 

 ***NEW IN 2024-2025*** 

Following the successful redesign of the Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) for Plasma Cell Myeloma and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia by Flow Cytometry programmes in 2023-2024, we will roll out these changes out to the Measurable Residual Disease for CLL by Flow Cytometry (Pilot - Not Accredited) programme in 2024-2025.These changes will include the ability to add and save antibody panels for future exercises; and the capture of additional clone information and staining intensity to facilitate trouble shooting.

In addition, to the standard 'wet' exercises, Educational Electronic Exercises will be included in this programme in 2024-2025. These exercises are to determine interpersonal differences between laboratory scientists when analysing standardised anonymised data files to help develop and support individual competencies in the analysis of acquired data. 

No activities in relation to this EQA programme are subcontracted.

To register for this programme, please click here.