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

Programme objective: This programme issues stabilised whole blood into which has been spiked stabilised Plasma Cell Myeloma (PCM) 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 two samples, a minimum of two times per annum and a maximum of three, subject to sample availability. The 2 samples are manufactured from the same PCM case and are designed to represent different stages post treatment to assess the ability of a centre to detect PCM 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.  Where possible we may also issue a presentation sample although this is dependent upon the material characteristics. One electronic exercise will also be issued based on electronic data file analysis where participants will be asked to analyse the files and submit answers to a JotForm questionnaire.

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 and a move towards accredited status.

To register for this programme, please click here.