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CLL-MRD (Minimal Residual Disease)

CPT 88184(1), 88185(11), 88188(1) (units of 88185 vary depending on the number of antibodies tested)
Synonyms

SLL; Chronic Leukemia/Lymphoma; Flow Cytometry; Lymphoma

Test Details

Cancer Type

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Hematologic malignancies, Leukemia

Technology Used

FLOW

Turnaround Time

1-3 days

Use

CLL-MRD testing utilizes a 12-antibody flow cytometry panel in concert with a sequential gating strategy to isolate pure CLL B-cells from normal B-cells and regenerating cells. This process allows for the differentiation of 1 CLL cell in 10,000 normal B-cells and provides a quantitative measurement of the MRD status of patients with CLL who are undergoing therapy. Patients who achieve CLL-MRD-negative status have improved overall and progression-free survival. This test is not suitable for making primary diagnosis or monitoring untreated CLL patients with a high tumor load.

Limitations

There must be a minimum of 5 million cells in the specimen submitted to perform the test (10 million cells preferred).

Methodology

Flow Cytometry

Specimen Requirements

Information on collection, storage, and volume

Specimen

Whole blood or bone marrow

Volume

10 mL whole blood; 2 mL bone marrow aspirate

Container

Green-top (sodium heparin) tube (preferred) or lavender-top (EDTA)

Storage Instructions

Maintain specimen at room temperature.

Causes for Rejection

Hemolysis; specimen clotted; specimen frozen; specimen in formalin or other fixative; blood more than 72 hours old; bone marrow aspirates more than five days old; bags or bottles of body fluid or bronchial washing; tissue in formalin or other fixative; contaminated transport medium

Collection

All specimens should be shipped to Labcorp Oncology on the day of excision. Delay in shipping may compromise cell viability and results.