Quest Diagnostics launches a noninvasive test to track hidden cancer cells without bone marrow biopsies
New York, 4 February 2026 – Quest Diagnostics has announced the nationwide launch of a new blood test designed to help doctors track multiple myeloma more easily and accurately. The test, called Quest Flow Cytometry MRD for Myeloma, measures measurable residual disease, or MRD, which refers to tiny numbers of cancer cells that can remain in the body during or after treatment.
For patients living with myeloma, MRD testing plays a key role in understanding how well treatment is working and whether the disease may return. Until now, this level of monitoring usually required a bone marrow biopsy, an invasive and often painful procedure. Quest’s new test aims to change that by delivering similar accuracy through a simple blood draw.
The test uses advanced flow cytometry technology to detect very small traces of myeloma cells in the blood. According to Quest, its sensitivity is comparable to next-generation sequencing, or NGS, which has long been considered the gold standard for detecting residual cancer cells. While NGS is highly accurate, it is expensive and often requires a baseline bone marrow sample taken before treatment begins.
One of the key advantages of Quest’s new test is that it does not require a baseline sample. This makes it useful for patients who did not have testing done earlier in their treatment journey. The blood-based approach also makes repeated testing more practical, especially for patients managing myeloma as a long-term condition.
Another benefit is specimen stability. Traditional flow cytometry samples usually need to be processed within three days. The Quest test remains stable for up to five days, making it easier to transport samples from clinics to laboratories, especially in areas far from major testing centers.
Clinical validation and trials
Details of the test’s development and performance were shared with the medical community at the recent American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition. Researchers highlighted how the test could improve routine care for patients and support clinical trials by offering a less invasive way to track treatment response.
Interest in MRD testing is growing across the cancer field. In January 2026, the Food and Drug Administration issued draft guidance encouraging the use of MRD as a primary endpoint in clinical trials for multiple myeloma. The guidance suggests that MRD data may help speed up approval of new cancer therapies, underlining the growing importance of accurate MRD detection.
Myeloma is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. The disease can damage bones, weaken the immune system, and affect blood health. In the U.S., about 36,000 people are diagnosed each year, and nearly 11,000 die from the disease. Because many patients live with myeloma for years, ongoing monitoring is essential to guide treatment decisions.
A safer and more accessible option
The safety advantage of the Quest Flow Cytometry MRD for Myeloma test lies in its noninvasive nature. By replacing bone marrow biopsies with blood samples, the test reduces discomfort and lowers the burden of frequent monitoring.
Quest Diagnostics operates around 7,000 phlebotomy sites across the United States, making the test widely accessible. The company already serves a large share of U.S. hospitals and physicians, allowing test results to reach care teams quickly and reliably. This new test also adds to Quest’s expanding portfolio of cancer diagnostics, including MRD testing for solid tumors.
As cancer care moves toward more personalized and less invasive approaches, blood-based MRD testing could become a critical tool. For patients with myeloma, this innovation may mean fewer painful procedures and clearer insight into how well their treatment is working.