EuroFlow MM MRD 2026
Multiple Myeloma Measurable 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 laboratory following the methodology applied to bone marrow samples. You will report your conclusions for several parameters including the percentage of aberrant plasma cells present in each sample, distribution of plasma cells and other cell populations, the calculated analytical sensitivity, the phenotypic pattern of aberrant plasma cells, an interpretation regarding MRD status, and the overall conclusion of the analysis as for a final report. You will report your results and conclusions via the ESLHO EQA Portal.
Your results will be compared to the reference values, which are defined by analysis results from EuroFlow experts. Additionally, your results will be compared to the other participants in the round.
Two rounds of the MM MRD scheme are offered in 2026: 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 2026 will be concluded with an online educational meeting, which will include all rounds performed throughout the year. 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 from the experts involved. More information regarding the educational meeting, including dates and times, will be announced at the end of 2026.
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 expert.
Further details on the task division of involved experts can be found in the document “Scheme information” available on the Resources page.
Participation fees
Participation in one round: € 270,-
Participation in both rounds: € 490,-
Participation is free for participants of the EuroFlow Consortium.