Measurable Residual Disease for Plasma Cell Myeloma by Flow Cytometry (Pilot -Not Accredited)

The measurement of measurable residual disease (MRD) populations is often performed following treatment for leukaemic disorders. The levels are used as a predictive factor for relapse or 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 into which has been spiked some stabilised plasma cell myeloma 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.

The programme issues a presentation sample together with 2 follow up samples. 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 plasma cell myeloma case and are designed to represent different stages post treatment to assess the ability of a centre to detect B plasma cell myeloma cells at minimal residual disease levels within a background of stabilised normal whole blood. Laboratories are requested to report the percentage of residual neoplastic plasma cells in the 2 follow up samples as a percentage of the plasma cell population.

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

 ***NEW IN 2023-2024*** Educational Electronic Trials - Having demonstrated the clear benefits of the electronic rounds, and due to an ongoing lack of sample availability in the Measurable Residual Disease for Plasma Cell Myeloma by Flow Cytometry programme, we will be reducing the number of rounds featuring wet samples to two per annum. We will be including an electronic round as standard to offset this. All other aspects of the programme operation will remain unchanged.

No activities in relation to this EQA programme are subcontracted.

To register for this programme, please click here.