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Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Minimal Residual Disease Detection by Flow Cytometry

3003142

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Minimum Residual Disease by Flow Cytometry 3003142

Method

Flow Cytometry

Aids in monitoring therapy in individuals with an established diagnosis of CLL
Use for detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) in patients after treatment for CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)
Not appropriate for initial diagnosis of CLL

For additional information on CLL testing, refer to the ARUP Consult Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia - CLL topic.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common cancer of the blood and can involve lymph nodes, bone marrow, and peripheral blood. Patients undergoing treatment for CLL can be tested for evidence of remaining malignant cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood to determine the effectiveness of therapy and aid in prognosis.

Test Interpretation

Clinical Sensitivity

Limit of detection: 0.0039%

Limit of quantification: 0.01%

Sensitivity is dependent on the quality of the sample (sensitivity is lower in some samples, particularly hypocellular or hemodilute samples) and the immunophenotype of the malignant cells.

Results

Results may be reported as:
- Positive for residual CLL/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL)
- Positive but below the limit of quantitation for residual CLL/SLL
- Negative for residual CLL/SLL
- Suspicious for residual CLL/SLL
- Suboptimal specimen without evidence of residual CLL/SLL
Aberrant cells will be reported as percentage of total viable leukocytes
Marker expression on aberrant cells will be reported with respect to the normal B-cell population (per the Bethesda recommendations for flow cytometry reporting)

Limitations

Poor cell viability may adversely affect antigens and impede the ability to properly identify neoplastic cells
Number of events collected may affect sensitivity
Test does not assess for aberrant myeloid cells/blasts or T-cell or other B-cell lymphoproliferative neoplasms
Flow results should not be used alone to diagnose malignancy
Should be interpreted in conjunction with morphology, clinical information, and other necessary ancillary tests for a definitive diagnosis

Feedback

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Minimal Residual Disease Detection by Flow Cytometry

Test Interpretation

Clinical Sensitivity

Results

Limitations