We are MLL.

Corporate movie

1148718

Samples received since 2005

315

Employees

742

Publications

7000sqm

Laboratory space

Our expertise

  • Comprehensive diagnostics of leukemias and lymphomas from a single provider, combining information from the various diagnostic areas and summarizing it in integrated reports
  • Digitally controlled data evaluation using state-of-the-art software and algorithms including artificial intelligence (AI) methods
  • Error prevention through automation and the digitalization of laboratory processes

Our methods


United within a single facility, our interdisciplinary structure guarantees valid, comprehensive and prompt diagnosis thanks to a steady flow of information between the departments. In this context, we work with more than 900 devices and have 993 standard operating procedures (SOP).

Our methods

The laboratory

The Munich Leukemia Laboratory (MLL) is one of the world's largest leukemia labs. Boasting state-of-art equipment and a bright and functional facility layout, MLL meets all the requirements of an innovative and modern workplace. With its adherence to the principles of consummate curiosity and its dedication to progress, the new-look MLL nevertheless remains true to its goal of facilitating access to targeted, efficient and timely therapy to patients worldwide.

  • 01/07 Sample receipt area
    Blood and bone marrow samples are received in the sample receipt area. They are unpacked, entered into our laboratory information and management system and labeled with an internal barcode. From here, each sample is allocated to a certain employee and equipment and is traceable in real time.

  • 02/07 Immunpophenotyping
    Immunophenotyping is a key to the diagnostic work-up of hematological neoplasias. It is used to corroborate diagnosis, classify diseases, assess prognosis and to quantify malignant cells over the course of treatment (minimal/measurable residual disease, MRD). Diagnostic application of the method is based on the characterization of antigen expression patterns of malignant cells and their discrimination from healthy cells. Learn more about Immunophenotyping.

  • 03/07 Molecular genetics
    Molecular genetics includes state-of-the-art methods for the identification of gene mutations with highest sensitivity. Genetic tumor profiling and determination of minimal residual disease (MRD) are elementary components of molecular genetics. Learn more about Molecular genetics.

  • 04/07 Cytomorphology
    The diagnostic work-up of hematological neoplasias is based on cytomorphology of blood and bone marrow smears. It is used to corroborate the diagnosis, classify diseases and assess prognoses over the course of treatment. In this regard, cytomorphology mainly involves the assessment of panoptical stains and a variety of cytohistochemical stains of blood and bone marrow smears. Learn more about Cytomorphology.

  • 05/07 Chromosome analysis
    Chromosome analysis is now considered an obligatory testing method for the diagnosis of hematological neoplasias. Its findings contribute to substantiating the diagnosis, although the prognostic significance that can be confirmed from the the karyotype of the malignat cells is far more important. Cancer-associated chromosomal aberrations occur only in malignant cells. These are acquired genetic mutations. Hence, the other cells in the body of a patient suffering from hematological neoplasias are cytogenetically normal. Learn more about chromosome analysis.

  • 06/07 Fluorescence in situ hybridizationg (FISH)
    Fluorescence in situ hybridizationg (FISH) uses fluorescent probes for the identification of known chromosomal or, rather, genetic aberrations in metaphase chromosomes or interphase nuclei. Learn more about FISH.

  • 07/07 Worklab
    In the newly designed worklab, visiting scientists from all over the worl are working on research projects in the field of leukemia diagnostics.

Our culture

Our mission

The focus of our work is the responsibility for patients with hematological neoplasms.

Our contribution is to provide comprehensive and personalized diagnostics with the shortest possible turnaround time.

The results of these diagnostics enable precise, individualized therapy with additional treatment options and improved chances of cure.

Our vision

We set standards in the diagnosis of hematological neoplasms through our own research and integration of global knowledge. To achieve this, we rely on our expertise, innovation and interdisciplinarity.

We are shaping the future of hematological diagnostics with state-of-the-art methods.

We are constantly working to further improve the chances of cure for hematologic neoplasms and are developing prevention concepts for this purpose.

Our values

We believe that extraordinary things emerge by blending knowledge, courage and responsibility.

In a world of constantly evolving, groundbreaking opportunities, our aim is to offer the best leukemia diagnostics at global level and to make it available to all patients.

  • We possess the knowledge to,
    accomplish extraordinary things.

    We are experts. Our findings are reliable and in line with the latest insight – thanks to diagnostics by an interdisciplinary team with a comprehensive scientific background and decades of experience as practicing hematologists, geneticists and bioinformatics specialists.

  • We have the courage
    to push boundaries.

    As committed go-getters, we are thirsty for knowledge, energetic and ambitious. We question the status quo, building on current standards to develop game-changing methods. State-of-the-art technology helps us to continue optimizing diagnostics.

  • We have the inner drive
    to seize responsibility.

    We are doctors, scientists, advisers, counsellors – and humans. At the heart of our work is the responsibility we accept for patients suffering from leukemia or lymphoma: We know that behind each sample, there is a personal story. This knowledge motivates us to proceed meticulously. Our optimized diagnoses based on an extensive spectrum of methods help to extend life expectancy with improved quality of life.

The team

We seek to comprehend what is not yet fully understood: how leukemia emerges, its interdependencies and complexity. As a large, interdisciplinary team of experienced doctors, biologists, bioinformatics specialists and medical technicians, we work to provide patients worldwide with more targeted and efficient treatments as quickly as possible. Our deployment of state-of-the-art methods and devices, continuous communication of test results between the various departments, as well as constant further training, ensure the speed and reliability of our diagnoses. Consistent sharing of test results and the steady expansion of staff knowledge guarantee reliable diagnostics. The team of excellently qualified staff members is therefore the nerve center at MLL.

  • Management
    Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Haferlach, Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Torsten Haferlach and Prof. Dr. med. Wolfgang Kern founded the MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory in 2005. In addition to leukemia diagnostics and research, their activities focus on the management and further development of the company and the MLL team.

  • Board of Directors
    Since the beginning of 2021, the MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory is headed by the four-member Board of Directors, consisting of the management, Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Haferlach, Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Torsten Haferlach, Prof. Dr. med. Wolfgang Kern, and Dr. rer. nat. Manja Meggendorfer, Head of Molecular Genetics and Research and Development. The Board of Directors is responsible, among other things, for the management of the company and for the coordination of all internal and external company processes.

  • The department management
    Each department and division of MLL is functionally assigned to a department manager in order to ensure straightforward communication and control of the laboratory. The tasks of the department manager include the strategic organization of the company, the definition of goals and the continuous development of the company.

    from left to right: Dr. med. Christian Pohlkamp, Dr. rer. nat. Manja Meggendorfer, MBA, Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Torsten Haferlach, Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Haferlach, Prof. Dr. med. Wolfgang Kern


Our management


Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Haferlach was Head of the Cytogenetics and Fluorescence In-situ Hybridization Department at the Laboratory for Special Leukemia Diagnostics, Clinic Munich-Großhadern, is cofounder of MLL and Department manager Diagnostics.

Prof. Dr. med. Claudia Haferlach

Executive management
Medical doctor
Department manager Diagnostics

T: +49 89 99017-400

Before cofounding MLL in 2005, Prof. Dr. Dr. Haferlach was a senior physician at various large university clinics with habilitation in internal medicine and a specialization in hematology and internal oncology

Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Torsten Haferlach

Executive management
Internist, Hematologist and Oncologist
Deputy Head of Cytomorphology

T: +49 89 99017-100

Prof. Dr. med. Wolfgang Kern was head of the immunophenotyping section in the Laboratory for Special Leukemia Diagnostics at the Clinic München-Großhadern. Since he founded the MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory and the MHP Munich Hematology Practice in 2005, he served as head of this division. In 2023, he relinquished divisional leadership and now serves as deputy head.

Prof. Dr. med. Wolfgang Kern

Executive Management
Internist, Hematologist and Oncologist
Deputy Head of Immunophenotyping

T: +49 89 99017-200

Scientific staff


The company MLL

We are a leading institution for leukemia diagnostics and research, operating within a highly innovative environment. As a fast-growing international and interdisciplinary enterprise, we attach the highest importance to training our staff and developing our technological strategies. Our aim is to shape the future of hematological diagnostics and therapy through the use of state-of-the-art molecular and IT-supported methodologies.


MLL Münchner Leukämielabor GmbH was founded in 2005 by Prof. Dr. Dr. Torsten Haferlach, Prof. Dr. Claudia Haferlach, and Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kern. MLL provides laboratory diagnostic services, specialized in leukemias and lymphomas, which are clinically reported together with MLL MVZ GmbH. MLL is constantly developing, both methodically in diagnostics and corporately. Thus, today further companies belong to MLL, which are regulated by cooperation agreements and partly managed in personnel union.


MLL MVZ GmbH was formed in 2021 by changing the name of MHP Münchner Hämatologiepraxis, which was founded in 2005. The MLL MVZ (Medical Care Center for Internal Medicine, Hematology and Internal Oncology) operates as a practice where 5000 patients are treated annually. In addition, the MLL MVZ provides laboratory services in cooperation with MLL Münchner Leukämielabor GmbH.


In 2017, MLL Dx GmbH was founded, which provides laboratory services for international patients and clinical studies.

Furthermore, MLL Dx GmbH hosts a sequencing service that became visible as its own label MLLSEQ since 2021. From wet-lab to data visualization, MLLSEQ offers its expertise and sequencing capabilities using Next Generation Sequencing.


MLLi GmbH was founded in 2017. It reflects innovation by name and deals with Big Data generated by high-throughput sequencing. MLLi provides physicians and scientists with bioinformatics tools to interpret sequencing data efficiently and state-of-the-art. MLLi uses, among other things, MLL's in-house variant database, which is currently the largest in the world in the field of hematological neoplasms.

Seminar rooms

Five conference rooms with sophisticated equipment, electrically dimmable glass partitioning walls, and a lecture theatre which can accommodate 190 guests, extend over a 500 m2 surface. When it came to furnishing the conference area, emphasis was placed on high quality and functionality – both in terms of interior design and in terms of the multimedia technology.
The premises are used for in-house trainings and meetings, as well as for conferences and congresses with external partners.

Should you be interested in renting these premises, please do not hesitate to contact us: Phone: +49 (0)89 99017-0, or via email at info@mll.com

  • 01/06 Lobby
    The spacious and bright lobby offers space for receptions and events of all kinds. On both sides of the foyer, there are two smaller conference rooms with 9 and 11 seats, respectively. On the front side, you get access to two seminar rooms, which can be joined together by a sliding wall to form a large conference room. The lobby hosts a large number of screens ready to play any combination of content.

  • 02/06 Large classroom
    The "large classroom" can accommodate up to 190 people and is one of the largest vodeo conference rooms in Germany. Equipped with the latest technology such as a 6.70x1.71m LED wall, a number of cameras, and an integrated sound and loudspeaker system, this room meets MLL's high standards. The innovative microphone system that is integrated in the ceiling enables the speaker to talk without lavalier microphones or hand-held transmitters and still be heard well everywhere in the room. In addition, an interaction with the audience can take place without hand microphones having to be passed around.
    A movable partitioning wall subdivides the "large classroom" into two separate rooms (the "seminar room" and the "small classroom"). The "seminar room" can accomodate 56 persons, and the "small classroom" 98 persons.

  • 03/06 Seminar room
    The seminar room has a 2.44x1.37m LED wall. Microphones, ceiling loudspeakers and cameras make this room ideal for video conferences. The seminar room accomodates 56 persons.

  • 04/06 Conference rooms 1 and 2
    Both conference rooms are elegant with dark accents. They are ideal for meetings and discussions that can be attended by up to 11 people. Both rooms can be dimmed using tinted Smart-Glass windows protecting them from the gaze of by-passers. A large LED screen, a camera and an integrated microphone and speaker system make these rooms ideally suited for video conferences.

  • 05/06 Conference room 3
    Unlike conference rooms 1 and 2 with dark accents, conference room 3 features the MLL colors red and grey. A large window lets in ample light. In addition, the room is equipped with an integrated kitchen for event catering.

  • 06/06 State-of-the-art-technology
    All rooms are equipped with the latest and most intuitive technology. Alongside the screens, the cameras and the built-in microphone and loudspeaker systems, each room is equipped with an iPad which can be used to control the light, the roller blinds and glass walls. A digital flipchart allows for paperless work and can send the notes to participiants by e-mail upon request.

Corporate movies

With our corporate movies you will gain exciting insights into the work and culture at MLL and what inspires and drives our employees day after day.

Corporate movie 2020
»See behind. Go beyond.«
English version

01:41

Corporate movie 2018
»See behind. Go beyond.«
English version

01:19

You may also be interested in

Career

As a rapidly growing, innovative medical laboratory, we are always looking for bright minds to help us bring new and more effective therapies to patients around the world.

Learn more

Services

Do you have questions about sample submission, analyses performed or findings? Here you will find contact details, contact persons and our most frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Learn more

Quality management

We have been certified according to national and international standards since 2009 and have successfully maintained these accreditations.

Learn more

Your contact person

»Patient wellbeing and digitalization are not a contradiction, but the future.«

Prof. Dr. med. Dr. phil. Torsten Haferlach

Executive management
Internist, Hematologist and Oncologist
Deputy Head of Cytomorphology

T: +49 89 99017-100