Hematopathology Expert Series
Faster, Cheaper, Better—The Role of Spectral Flow Cytometry in MRD Analysis

As laboratories face increasing demands for highly sensitive measurable residual disease (MRD) testing, spectral flow cytometry is emerging as a powerful tool that can enhance both analytical performance and operational efficiency. This presentation will explore how spectral cytometry is transforming MRD assessment through expanded marker combinations, improved resolution of complex cell populations, and streamlined assay design. Expert panelists will discuss the potential advantages of spectral platforms in detecting rare residual disease populations across hematologic malignancies, while addressing practical considerations for clinical implementation. Topics will include assay standardization, validation strategies, data analysis challenges, and comparisons with conventional flow cytometry approaches. Real-world experiences from laboratories that have adopted spectral cytometry for MRD testing will highlight lessons learned, opportunities, and limitations.

Lecture Presenters

Presenter

David P. Ng, MD
David P. Ng, MD, FCAP
Associate Professor (Clinical), Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah
Medical Director, Hematopathology, Hematologic Flow Cytometry, Applied Artificial Intelligence and Bioinformatics, ARUP Laboratories

Dr. David P. Ng is a medical director of Hematopathology, Hematologic Flow Cytometry, and Applied Artificial Intelligence and Bioinformatics at ARUP Laboratories and a board-certified hematopathologist and an associate professor (clinical) in the Department of Pathology at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. He received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a medical degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Dr. Ng completed a pathology residency at Dartmouth and a fellowship in hematopathology at the University of Washington. He has a special interest in the development and application of machine learning in clinical flow cytometry as well as implementation of high-color flow panels to diagnostic and measurable residual disease testing. Dr. Ng currently leads a team of data scientists and software engineers in operationalizing machine learning tools for the clinical laboratory in the division of applied artificial intelligence within ARUP’s Institute for Research and Innovation in Diagnostic and Precision Medicine™.

Host

Madhu P. Menon, MD, PhD, FCAP, FASCP
Madhu P. Menon, MD, PhD, FCAP, FASCP
Associate Professor, Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah
Head of Clinical Operations for Hematopathology, ARUP Laboratories

Panelists

Jeffrey R. Jacobsen, MD
Jeffrey R. Jacobsen, MD
Associate Professor (Clinical), Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah
Medical Director, Hematopathology, ARUP Laboratories
Margaret Williams, MD
Margaret Williams, MD
Assistant Professor (Clinical), Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah
Chief Medical Director, Genomics (Hematopathology), ARUP Laboratories

Objectives

After this presentation, participants will be able to:

Describe the principles of spectral flow cytometry and how it differs from conventional flow cytometry
Explain the benefits and limitations of measurable residual disease (MRD) analysis using spectral flow cytometry, including its impact on sensitivity, specificity, and assay design
Discuss the clinical and research applications enabled by spectral flow cytometry, including opportunities for advanced immunophenotyping, biomarker discovery, and improved disease monitoring