Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | MRD Flow Cytometry, MRD by FCM, Minimal Residual Disease by Flow Cytometry, Measurable Residual Disease Testing |
| Sample Type | Bone marrow aspirate |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children undergoing or having completed treatment for blood cancers; applicable to both genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹18,000 |
What is a Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test?
The Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test is a specialised laboratory test used to detect very small numbers of cancer cells remaining in the body after treatment for blood cancers. It is commonly known as MRD Flow Cytometry or Measurable Residual Disease testing. The test analyses a bone marrow sample using a technology called flow cytometry, which identifies abnormal cells by their surface protein patterns. Oncologists and haematologists order this test to assess how well a patient has responded to chemotherapy or other treatments.
What Does a Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test Measure?
The Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test procedure uses fluorescent antibodies to tag and count specific proteins on cell surfaces. This allows the laboratory to identify and measure any cancer cells that remain after treatment.
The test examines the following markers, depending on the disease type:
| Marker or Parameter | What it Identifies |
|---|---|
| Leukaemia-associated immunophenotypes (LAIPs) | Abnormal protein combinations on cancer cells that differ from normal blood-forming cells |
| CD138, CD27, CD38, CD56, CD45, CD19, CD81 | Markers used to detect abnormal plasma cells in multiple myeloma |
| CD5, CD19, CD20 | Proteins that help identify residual cells in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) |
| CD19, CD10, CD34, TdT | Immature B-cell markers used in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL) |
| Percentage of residual abnormal cells | Quantifies remaining cancer cells as a proportion of all cells analysed |
Why is a Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test Done?
This test is not ordered in response to symptoms. It is performed at planned time points during or after cancer treatment to measure the depth of a patient's response to therapy.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
This test is ordered based on diagnosis and treatment stage rather than specific symptoms. The following situations typically prompt a referral:
- Completion of an initial course of chemotherapy (induction therapy)
- Assessment after consolidation treatment or stem cell transplant
- Routine monitoring during remission for leukaemia or myeloma
- Suspected relapse based on clinical or blood count changes
- Annual follow-up for patients confirmed to be in remission
- Before or after a change in treatment approach
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test is used to monitor residual disease in the following blood cancers:
- Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)
- Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), including paediatric cases
- Multiple myeloma
- Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
- Mantle cell lymphoma
- Follicular lymphoma
Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
MRD flow cytometry plays an important role in guiding ongoing treatment decisions for patients with acute leukaemia and multiple myeloma. In myeloma, it may be ordered to confirm remission and for annual follow-up of patients in remission. Testing is typically repeated at key treatment milestones and as directed by the treating oncologist or haematologist.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward. The main requirement is to bring a detailed clinical history, as it is required for the test.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. Patients can eat and drink normally before the bone marrow collection procedure.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Here are a few steps to help ensure the sample is collected smoothly:
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your diagnosis, current treatment protocol, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about any blood thinners or anticoagulant medications you are taking
- Tell your healthcare provider about all current medications and health conditions
- Stay well hydrated before the procedure to support your overall well-being
- The timing of this test is determined by your oncologist; attend at the scheduled milestone
Step-by-Step Procedure
The bone marrow sample for this test is collected in a clinical setting by a trained medical professional. Here is what to expect:
- A bone marrow aspiration is performed, usually from the hip bone, using a fine needle to draw out a small amount of bone marrow fluid.
- The first-drawn portion of the sample is set aside for MRD testing, as it is the least diluted by blood.
- In the laboratory, red blood cells are removed, and the remaining cells are treated with fluorescent antibodies that attach to specific surface markers.
- The stained cells are passed through a flow cytometer, where lasers detect the fluorescent signals and measure each cell's characteristics.
- Data from millions of individual cells is collected and reviewed by a specialist to identify any remaining abnormal cells.
- A detailed report is prepared and dispatched, typically within 3 days of sample receipt.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of MRD results:
- Haemodilution, where blood mixes with the bone marrow sample, is the most common problem and can lead to false-negative results
- Delay in processing; significant cell loss can occur within 24 to 48 hours of collection, so samples should be analysed within 72 hours
- Treatment-induced bone marrow hypoplasia (reduced cell production), which affects sample quality
- A low total cell count in the sample, which reduces test sensitivity
- Patients receiving CD19-targeted therapies such as CAR-T may develop CD19-negative cancer cells, making flow cytometric detection more difficult
Understanding Your Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test Results
MRD results indicate whether detectable cancer cells remain in the bone marrow after treatment. Results are reported as either MRD-negative or MRD-positive, along with the proportion of abnormal cells detected.
| Result | Detection Threshold | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| MRD-Negative (Standard) | Fewer than 0.01% abnormal cells (1 in 10,000) | No detectable residual cancer cells at standard sensitivity |
| MRD-Negative (High Sensitivity) | Fewer than 0.001% abnormal cells (1 in 100,000) | No detectable residual cancer cells at high sensitivity |
| MRD-Positive | An abnormal cell population of 20 or more cells detected | Residual cancer cells are present |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain circumstances can affect how results are interpreted:
Haemodilution, where blood dilutes the bone marrow sample during collection, may cause false-negative readings by reducing the concentration of detectable cancer cells. Delay between collection and processing can lead to significant cell loss, which may also affect accuracy. Treatment-induced reduction in bone marrow cell production can limit the number of cells available for analysis. Patients who have received CD19-targeted therapies may develop cancer cells that no longer carry the CD19 marker, which can make them harder to detect using standard flow cytometric panels.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
During and after blood cancer treatment, overall well-being supports better outcomes:
- Follow your oncologist's recommended treatment and monitoring schedule consistently
- Attend all scheduled MRD testing appointments at the milestones your doctor advises
- Support your general health through balanced nutrition and adequate rest throughout treatment and recovery
Lupin Diagnostics Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test Price
The Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹18,000. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre or an affiliated clinical facility, as home collection is not available for bone marrow procedures.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | 18000 |
| Pune | 18000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book the Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test online:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time for sample collection by a trained clinical professional.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Complete remission means cancer cells have fallen below 5% as seen under a microscope. MRD testing detects leukaemic cells below this level, finding cells that standard microscopy cannot identify. An MRD-negative result, therefore, indicates a deeper level of response than standard complete remission.
The test can detect as few as 1 abnormal cell in every 10,000 normal cells. With high-sensitivity panels, some laboratories can detect 1 abnormal cell in 100,000. This level of sensitivity makes it one of the most precise tools available for monitoring treatment response in blood cancers.
Bone marrow is preferred because leukaemia and myeloma cells reside primarily in the marrow rather than in the circulating blood. Collecting a marrow sample gives a more accurate picture of residual disease than a peripheral blood draw in most cases.
An MRD-positive result indicates a higher risk of relapse compared to an MRD-negative result, but it does not guarantee that the cancer will return. Doctors use MRD findings to guide treatment decisions, which may include intensifying therapy to reduce the risk further.
At Lupin Diagnostics, the report is typically delivered within 3 days of sample receipt. Turnaround time can vary depending on sample quality and the specific panel used.
No. Bone marrow aspiration is a clinical procedure that must be performed in a hospital or diagnostic centre by trained medical professionals. Home collection is not available for this test.
Testing frequency depends on the cancer type and the treatment protocol prescribed by your oncologist. For leukaemia, it is often performed at the end of each major treatment phase. For multiple myeloma, it may be ordered to confirm remission and then annually for follow-up. Your treating doctor will decide the appropriate schedule based on your individual case.
Flow Cytometry for Minimal Residual Test: Booking, Price, and Results
