B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia monitoring for minimal residual disease [Test in Focus]

Audio Interview

Testing

When to Order

Specimen

Performance

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The B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia minimal residual disease flow cytometry assay is used to monitor disease in people with a previously confirmed diagnosis of B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).

In this "Test in Focus" episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Min Shi, M.D., Ph.D., a hematologist and co-director of Mayo Clinic's Flow Cytometry Laboratory, explains recent updates made to this assay to enhance detection of minimal residual disease in patients who have completed chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or bone marrow transplantation.

Dr. Shi also describes who can benefit from this test and when it should be ordered. "This assay should it be considered in any patient who has been diagnosed with B-ALL, and who undergoes multiple bone marrow biopsies," she says. "In other word of every time a B-ALL patient undergoes a bone marrow biopsy, this assay should be ordered or considered."

Listen to learn more from Dr. Shi about how this assay works and how it compares to other test methods for B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia minimal residual disease, as well as how its results can affect patient care.

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Testing

B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia Monitoring, Minimal Residual Disease Detection, Flow Cytometry, Bone Marrow (Mayo ID: BALLM)

Useful for:

Aids in monitoring a previously confirmed diagnosis of B-cell lymphoblastic leukemia

Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Yellow top (ACD solution A or B)
Acceptable: Lavender top (EDTA), green top (sodium heparin)
Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Slides: Include 5- to 10-unstained bone marrow aspirate smears, if possible.
Collection Instructions:
1. Submission of bilateral specimens is not required.
2. Label specimen appropriately (bone marrow).

Performance Information

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed

Specimens are processed Monday through Sunday and reported Monday through Friday

Analytic Time

1 day

Samantha Rossi

Samantha Rossi is a Digital Marketing Manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. She supports marketing strategies for product management and specialty testing. Samantha has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2019.