Quest Diagnostics has introduced a new blood-based test for measurable residual disease (MRD) in patients with multiple myeloma, offering sensitivity comparable to next-generation sequencing (NGS) while using noninvasive blood specimens. The Quest Flow Cytometry MRD for Myeloma test is designed to improve access and flexibility for clinicians and patients, providing specimen stability for up to five days to support nationwide testing.

Myeloma is a plasma cell cancer in which abnormal antibody production disrupts normal blood and bone health. Approximately 36,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States, with nearly 11,000 deaths each year, according to the American Cancer Society. While the disease remains incurable, long-term management is increasingly guided by MRD assessment, which helps track response to therapy and detect disease recurrence.

Traditional MRD evaluation relies on flow cytometry of bone marrow aspirates, whereas NGS can enhance sensitivity but requires baseline bone marrow samples and is associated with higher costs. Quest’s new test applies advanced flow cytometry techniques to blood samples, achieving detection levels comparable to NGS without requiring an initial aspirate, enabling more patients to be monitored effectively.

Yuri Fesko, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Quest Diagnostics, said: “Our Flow Cytometry MRD for Myeloma test harnesses cutting-edge science and technology to deliver ultrasensitive insights from a noninvasive blood test, thereby improving care and value for patients and the healthcare system.” Fesko added that the test’s reach through Quest’s network of approximately 7,000 phlebotomy sites across the United States supports access for more patients.

Timothy Looney, senior director of immuno-oncology at Quest Diagnostics, said the test has generated strong interest from the medical community. Looney said: “The enthusiastic response received at the recent American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting … made it clear to me that this assay has the potential to greatly improve the treatment paradigm.” He added that the combination of sensitivity, cost efficiency and extended sample stability can support both clinical care and response monitoring in clinical trials.

Quest Diagnostics said the new test complements its existing hematopathology and molecular oncology portfolio, which includes the Haystack MRD test for solid tumors. Recent FDA draft guidance issued in January 2026 also highlights the potential for MRD as a primary endpoint in clinical trials evaluating therapies for multiple myeloma, underscoring the clinical and regulatory relevance of sensitive MRD monitoring.