ARUP CLARISPECT™ Multiple Myeloma MRD by Spectral Flow Cytometry

Last Literature Review: July 2026 Last Update:

Use to quantify and characterize plasma cells in patients with previously established diagnosis of plasma cell dyscrasia.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the most common malignant plasma cell dyscrasia and is a persistent disease that requires high-sensitivity minimal residual disease (MRD) detection techniques to help monitor for disease relapse and guide treatment decision-making. , 

Test Interpretation

Methodology

Spectral flow cytometry utilizes a higher sensor-to-dye ratio than multichromatic flow cytometry to capture the complete fluorescence spectrum of all utilized dyes. All markers are evaluated for each event with spectral flow cytometry rather than split into subsets of markers as is done in multichromatic flow cytometry. The automated spectral unmixing of spectral flow cytometry improves the accuracy and consistency of test results.  The ARUP CLARISPECT™ Multiple Myeloma MRD by Spectral Flow Cytometry assay has increased sensitivity as compared with traditional flow cytometry assays.

Analytic Sensitivity

Sensitivity is dependent on cellularity and may be lower in some samples. Sensitivity for each case is included in the test report.

Limit of detection: The limit of detection for this assay is the greater of 14 events per 5 million events collected or 0.00028%.

Analytic Specificity

Discrimination is based on cell size, cytoplasmic complexity, CD45 intensity, and specific antigens. The antigens used in this assay are CD38, CD19, CD20, CD138, CD33, CD54, CD81, CD200, CD28, CD56, CD117, CD13, CD45, cytoVS38c, cytoLambda, cytoIRF4 PE, cytoKappa, and a viability dye.

Results

  • Aberrant or monoclonal plasma cells are reported as Detected or Not Detected.
    • Aberrant plasma cells will be reported as a percentage of total events.
    • Marker expression on aberrant plasma cells will be reported as positive or negative.

Limitations

  • Poor cell viability may adversely affect antigens and impede the proper identification of neoplastic cells.
  • The number of events collected may affect sensitivity.
  • The assay does not assess for aberrant myeloid cells/blasts, T-cell lymphoid disorders, or B-cell lymphoid disorders, including monoclonal B-cell populations.
  • Spectral flow cytometry results should not be used alone to diagnose malignancy.
  • Spectral flow cytometry results should be interpreted in conjunction with morphology, clinical information, and other necessary ancillary tests for a definitive diagnosis.

References