Your oncologist can order MRD testing, but whether they can perform it directly depends on their practice setting and available resources.
When Your Oncologist Can Perform MRD Testing
Academic and Large Cancer Centers: Oncologists at major cancer centers or academic hospitals often have access to in-house MRD testing, like flow cytometry and next-generation sequencing (NGS).
Clinical Trials: If you're enrolled in a clinical trial, MRD testing is often included and managed by your care team.
When Your Oncologist Might Refer You Elsewhere
Community Oncology Centers: Smaller or community-based practices may not have the specialized equipment or trained staff to perform MRD testing on-site.
External Labs: In these cases, your oncologist can collect a bone marrow or blood sample and send it to specialized labs, such as those offering the clonoSEQ® test or other MRD testing services.
How to Get MRD Testing Through Your Oncologist
Ask about MRD testing: Talk to your oncologist about whether MRD testing is appropriate for your treatment plan.
Understand the method: Discuss which type of MRD test is recommended.
Verify coverage: Confirm if your insurance covers the test and whether it will be done in-house or sent to a specialized lab.
Important Tip:
Even if your oncologist doesn't perform MRD testing directly, they can still guide you through the process and explain how the results will impact your care.
