B-Cell Lymphoma/Leukemia Monitoring — Minimal Residual Disease Detection, Bone Marrow, Flow Cytometry
A bone marrow flow cytometry test that looks for very small numbers of abnormal B cells after treatment for lymphoma or leukemia.
["This test checks whether abnormal B cells remain in the bone marrow after treatment."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 106952-5
- Short code
- BCell Lym LK monitor MRD det Mar FC
- Synonyms
- BCell Lym LK monitor MRD det Mar FC
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 86430
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test uses flow cytometry to examine cells from a bone marrow sample. It can detect a very small population of abnormal B cells, a finding called minimal residual disease (MRD).
Why might I need this test?
It may be used during or after treatment for a B-cell lymphoma or leukemia to assess the response to therapy and help guide follow-up care. Results are interpreted with your diagnosis, treatment history, and other laboratory tests.
How is the test performed?
A clinician removes a small bone marrow sample, usually from the hip bone. A laboratory then analyzes the cells using flow cytometry, which identifies cells based on their surface and internal markers.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow your care team's instructions about the biopsy. You may need blood tests beforehand, and local anesthetic or sedation may be used. Ask the clinician whether any medicines or recent treatments could affect the results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
If MRD is not detected, the results generally support a favorable treatment response, although no single finding determines the outcome by itself. Persistent MRD may suggest that abnormal B cells remain and may be associated with a higher risk of relapse. Interpretation depends on the specific disease, treatment, timing of the sample, and sensitivity of the laboratory method.
Short name
B-Cell Minimal Residual Disease Monitoring
Frequently asked questions
What does minimal residual disease mean?
Does a positive MRD result mean the cancer has returned?
Is this the same as a routine complete blood count?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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.
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy