EuroFlow BCP-ALL MRD 2026
B-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Measurable Residual Disease (BCP-ALL MRD) EQA scheme
Aim of the scheme
The BCP-ALL MRD scheme is intended for laboratories that want to assess their performance in utilizing EuroFlow’s BCP-ALL MRD antibody panel (van Dongen et al. 2012, Theunissen et al. 2017) and relevant EuroFlow standard operating procedures (SOPs) in their routine diagnostics as well as their ability to analyze and interpret flow cytometry standard (FCS) files obtained through this methodology using BCP-ALL patient samples.
The scheme is divided into two parts.
In the wet lab part, you will stain 3 healthy donor peripheral blood samples sourced locally at your laboratory (note that no samples will be provided by ESLHO) with the BCP-ALL MRD Tube 1 antibody panel and analyze the data. You will report the median fluorescence intensity (MedFI) values of 11 parameters on 5 cell subsets of each sample.
In the dry part you will merge the files you obtained in the wet part with 3 BCP-ALL patient FCS files provided by ESLHO and analyze them together for MRD. The provided FCS files are generated by a EuroFlow expert laboratory using the BCP-ALL MRD Tube 1 antibody panel and following the EuroFlow methodology. You will report the results from the analyses of the merged file, including the number of nucleated cells, the number and the percentage of MRD events, the immunophenotype of the aberrant B cell population, the limit of detection, and the limit of quantitation of the assay.
For both parts, you will report your results and conclusions via the ESLHO EQA Portal. In the wet lab part, your results will be compared to the EuroFlow reference dataset (calculations made based on 60 measurements across 11 laboratories), and in the dry part to reference values defined by analysis results from EuroFlow experts. Additionally, your results will be compared to the other participants in the round.
Two rounds of the BCP-ALL 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 BCP-ALL 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 laboratory at the Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic, operates as the lead expert laboratory, with Michaela Reiterová, MD, PhD 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.