Ballmrddetectionbldfc
A highly sensitive blood test that detects tiny amounts of leukemia cells remaining after treatment in patients with B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL).
{"MRD testing finds even one cancer cell among 10,000-100,000 normal cells","Helps doctors predict if leukemia might come back (relapse)","Uses flow cytometry to analyze proteins on the surface of blood cells","Performed on blood sample, less invasive than bone marrow testing","Results help guide treatment decisions and monitor treatment effectiveness"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 107039-0
- Short code
- B-ALL MRD FC
- Synonyms
- B-ALL MRD detection Bld FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- EDTA (lavender/purple-top) tube for peripheral blood; sodium heparin (green-top) tube is also acceptable for flow cytometry. ACD (yellow-top) tube may be used as an alternative.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 0.01
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–99 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 88184, 88185 (x multiple markers), 88187-88189 (interpretation)
- SNOMED
- 395124008, 269801005
- Specimen volume
- Peripheral blood: 5-10 mL (minimum 3 mL for adults); pediatric minimum: 1-3 mL depending on age and weight. First-pull bone marrow aspirate preferred when applicable.
- Stability
- Specimen must be received by the laboratory within 24-48 hours of collection when kept at room temperature (18-25°C). Refrigerated storage (2-8°C) may extend stability up to 72 hours but is generally not preferred for flow cytometric MRD analysis.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test is called B-ALL Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Detection by Flow Cytometry. It is a very sensitive laboratory test that looks for tiny amounts of leukemia cells that may still be in your blood after you have completed treatment for B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL). Even when treatment appears successful and standard tests show no evidence of cancer, very small numbers of leukemia cells can sometimes remain. These are called 'minimal residual disease' or MRD.
How does flow cytometry work?
Flow cytometry is a laboratory technique that analyzes cells as they pass through a laser beam. In MRD testing, a blood sample is mixed with special antibodies that attach to specific proteins (markers) found on leukemia cells. The machine then counts and characterizes these cells. In B-ALL, leukemia cells typically have abnormal patterns of markers on their surface. This test can detect one leukemia cell among 10,000 to 100,000 normal cells, making it much more sensitive than standard显微镜 examinations.
Why is this test important?
MRD testing is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps predict whether leukemia is likely to return. Patients with MRD-positive results (even tiny amounts of leukemia detected) have a higher risk of relapse compared to those with MRD-negative results. Second, it helps doctors determine if additional treatment is needed. Third, it allows doctors to monitor how well treatment is working over time. Fourth, it can help evaluate whether a patient is a candidate for stem cell transplant or other intensive therapies based on their MRD status.
How is the test performed?
A healthcare professional will draw a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm, similar to routine blood tests. The sample is then sent to a specialized laboratory where flow cytometry analysis is performed. The entire procedure takes only a few minutes, and you can resume normal activities immediately afterward. Unlike bone marrow biopsy, which requires a needle insertion into the bone, this test only requires a standard blood draw, making it much more comfortable for patients.
What do the results mean?
MRD results are typically reported as either positive or negative, or as a percentage of abnormal cells detected. MRD-negative means no leukemia cells were detected using this highly sensitive method—this is generally a favorable sign. MRD-positive means that leukemia cells were detected at very low levels. The level of MRD (how many abnormal cells found) helps doctors understand your risk of relapse and plan appropriate follow-up care. Your doctor will interpret these results in context with other tests and your overall clinical situation.
Reference range
MRD negative: <0.01% (less than 1 in 10,000 nucleated cells); MRD positive levels typically reported with sensitivity thresholds of 10⁻⁴ (0.01%). No abnormal B-lymphoblast population detected above the assay's limit of detection (typically 10⁻⁴ to 10⁻⁵).N/A
No special patient preparation is required prior to specimen collection. Specimen should ideally be collected prior to administration of chemotherapy or other immunomodulatory therapy when clinically feasible. Avoid collection during periods of active infection when possible, as reactive lymphocytosis may complicate interpretation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings2
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
Is the test painful?
What if my MRD result is positive?
Can MRD testing be done instead of bone marrow biopsy?
How long does it take to get results?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy