EuroFlow MM MRD 2025

Multiple Myeloma Minimal Residual Disease (MM MRD) EQA scheme

Aim of the scheme

The MM MRD scheme is suitable for laboratories seeking to evaluate their performance in the analysis and interpretation of FCS files that were acquired using the Next Generation Flow (NGF) for MM MRD methodology (Flores-Montero et al. 2017). Participating in this scheme will provide laboratories that routinely use the EuroFlow MM MRD antibody panel and relevant EuroFlow standard operating procedures (SOPs) with an external control for multiparametric flow cytometry detection of MRD in patients with MM after therapy.

You will analyze 3 MM MRD cases (2 FCS files per case) provided by ESLHO, which were generated by a EuroFlow reference center following the methodology applied to bone marrow samples. You will report your results and conclusions via the ESLHO EQA Portal.

Your results will be compared to the consensus reference interpretation, which is defined by at least two experts. Additionally, your results will be compared to the other participants in the round.

Two unique rounds of the MM MRD scheme are offered in 2025: one in spring and one in autumn.

Performance and report

After each round, participating laboratories will be provided with an EQA certificate showing their performance as compared to the reference values and to other laboratories. In addition to the performance report, specific comments or recommendations on how routine practice could be improved may be provided.

Further details on data analysis, how participants’ performance is evaluated, and on the contents of the report can be found in the document “Scheme information” available on the Resources page.

Educational meeting

All EuroFlow schemes’ EQA rounds offered in 2025 will be concluded with an educational meeting, which will include all rounds performed throughout the year. Participation is free of charge for two representatives per participating laboratory. During the meeting, the rounds’ results will be shown (anonymized), possible problems and pitfalls will be discussed, and there will be the opportunity to receive direct feedback. More information regarding the educational meeting will be announced on the ESLHO EQA Portal.

Organization

The MM MRD scheme is organized by ESLHO in collaboration with the EuroFlow EQA Committee. The EuroFlow EQA Committee is composed of members of the EuroFlow Consortium (www.euroflow.org). The Flow Cytometry Units at the Hematology Department of the University Hospital of Salamanca, and at University of Salamanca (Salamanca, Spain) operate as the lead laboratories, with Dr. Juan Flores-Montero in the role of lead subject-matter expert.

Further details on the task division of subject-matter experts can be found in the document “Scheme information” available on the Resources page.

Participation

ESLHO offers the MM MRD 2025 rounds free of charge to participants of the EuroFlow Consortium.