Monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has become increasingly important as treatments improve. This flow cytometry panel follows the strategy developed by the European Research Initiative in CLL (ERIC) and can detect MRD at the 0.01% level. Detection of MRD above 0.01% is reported to be an independent predictor of progression-free survival and overall survival in CLL patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy. The prognostic value of achieving MRD-negative status with other CLL therapies is under investigation in clinical trials. Available as global test only. Markers are CD3, CD5, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD43, CD79b, CD81 (8 markers).
Ship same day as drawn whenever possible. Refrigerate specimen. Do not freeze. Use cold pack for transport, making sure cold pack is not in direct contact with specimen.