Test Code MRDMR Multiple Myeloma Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) by Flow Cytometry, Bone Marrow
Specimen Required
Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see MSMRD / Myeloma Stratification and Risk-Adapted Therapy with Reflex to Minimal Residual Disease, Bone Marrow
Specimen Type: Redirected bone marrow
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Yellow top (ACD solution A or B)
Acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA)
Specimen Volume: 4 mL
Useful For
Detecting low level (measurable residual disease) myeloma cells after therapy to confirm remission has been achieved
Disease States
- Amyloidosis
Method Name
Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see MSMRD / Myeloma Stratification and Risk-Adapted Therapy with Reflex to Minimal Residual Disease, Bone Marrow
Immunophenotyping
Reporting Name
Multiple Myeloma MRD by Flow, BMSpecimen Type
Bone MarrowSpecimen Minimum Volume
2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Bone Marrow | Ambient (preferred) | 72 hours |
Refrigerated | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
All specimens will be evaluated at Mayo Clinic Laboratories for test suitability.Clinical Information
Multiple myeloma is an incurable malignant neoplasm of plasma cells. One of the best prognostic factors in multiple myeloma is the level of measurable (also known as minimal) residual disease post chemotherapy or autologous stem cell transplantation. The greater depth of the response (less malignant cells present), the longer time to progression and overall survival.(1)
Reference Values
Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see MSMRD / Myeloma Stratification and Risk-Adapted Therapy with Reflex to Minimal Residual Disease, Bone Marrow
An interpretive report will be provided.
Interpretation
The interpretation of the test is done by evaluating automated and manually gated populations to isolate abnormal plasma cells. If there is an abnormal plasma cell population (cluster of 20 cells or more), then the result is measurable residual disease (MRD)-positive, with the percentage of abnormal plasma cells out of total analyzed events. If no abnormal population is found, then the result will be interpreted as MRD-negative.
This test will be processed as a laboratory consultation. An interpretation of the immunophenotypic findings and correlation with the previous patient history will be provided by a hematopathologist for every case.
Cautions
There are situations in which current gating strategies are insufficient to identify abnormal plasma cells. This can occur if the abnormal plasma cells do not phenotypically differ from normal plasma cells. In addition, in patients who have undergone therapeutic antibody treatment (anti-CD38, for example), decreased antigen expression on plasma cells may interfere with the gating strategy.
Clinical Reference
1. Martinez-Lopez J, Lahuerta JJ, Pepin F, et al. Prognostic value of deep sequencing method for minimal residual disease detection in multiple myeloma. Blood. 2014;123(20):3073-3079
2. Rawstron AC, Child JA, de Tute RM, et al. Minimal residual disease assessed by multiparameter flow cytometry in multiple myeloma: impact on outcome in the medical research council myeloma IX Study. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(20):2540-2547
3. Roschewski M, Stetler-Stevenson M, Yuan C, et al. Minimal residual disease: What are the minimum requirements? J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(5):475-476
4. Stetler-Stevenson M, Paiva B, Stoolman L, et al. Consensus guidelines for myeloma minimal residual disease sample staining and data acquisition. Cytometry B Clin Cytom. 2016;90(1):26-30 doi:10.1002/cyto.b.21249
5. Callander NS, Baljevic M, Adekola K, et al. NCCN Guidelines Insights: Multiple Myeloma, Version 3.2022. J Natl Compr Canc Netw. 2022;20(1):8-19. doi:10.6004/jnccn.2022.0002
Day(s) Performed
Preanalytical processing: Monday through Saturday
Results reported: Monday through Friday
Report Available
2 to 4 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
88184-Flow Cytometry; first cell surface, cytoplasmic or nuclear marker
88185 x 9-Flow Cytometry; additional cell surface, cytoplasmic or nuclear marker
88188-Flow Cytometry Interpretation, 9 to 15 Markers
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
MRDMR | Multiple Myeloma MRD by Flow, BM | 93022-2 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CK146 | % Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) | 93021-4 |
CK147 | % Normal Plasma Cells (of total PC) | 93020-6 |
CK148 | Non-Aggregate Events | 38257-2 |
CK149 | Total Plasma Cell Events | 93019-8 |
CK150 | Poly PC Events | 93018-0 |
CK151 | Abnormal PC Events | 93017-2 |
615796 | % B-cell Precursors | 101131-1 |
615797 | % Mast Cells | 101130-3 |
616082 | Validated Assay Sensitivity | 101129-5 |
616083 | Lower Limit of Quantitation (LLOQ) | 87706-8 |
615798 | Patient / Sample Theoretical LOQ | 101128-7 |
614590 | Final Diagnosis | 74226-2 |
Highlights
This is a high-sensitivity flow cytometry test for detection of measurable (also known as minimal) residual myeloma cells, post treatment.
It uses adopted EuroFlow guidelines and Cytognos software.
It has a sensitivity of 10(-5) or better, depending on the antigenic profile of abnormal plasma cells.