We opened the MLL on August 1, 2005. The number of samples at the MLL and the possibilities for diagnostic methods have developed in parallel with hematology in the last 15 years. Diagnostics with all its possibilities and needs is becoming more and more exciting for us. It is growing in importance for patients and attending physicians. This is true regarding the description of the disease and its risk profile during diagnosis, as well as to the analyses of the course of the disease, whose numbers have increased sharply, which contribute to therapy management. The total number of samples sent to the MLL in the last 15 years is now over 750,000.
The MLL Munich Leukemia Laboratory has been providing comprehensive diagnostics for leukemia and lymphoma patients in our health system for 15 years. Molecular genetics has been an increasingly important component. The demand for comprehensive diagnostics, including from neighboring countries, is rising. Why not also offer this service outside the German health system? The three managing directors asked this question before the idea of establishing MLL Dx – MLL diagnostics – took shape. MLL Dx was founded as an affiliate of MLL in 2018 and has been visible through its own web site since July 2020.
The diagnosis and classification of hematological neoplasia is a complex process. Various diagnostic technologies (cytomorphology, histology, cytogenetics, immunophenotyping and molecular genetics) are needed to meet the clinical challenges for a rapid, accurate and therapeutically relevant diagnosis for each patient. Genetic testing in particular has changed considerably in recent years, making it a quick and comprehensive option for a variety of issues.
In the past few months, we have all been confronted with an entirely new situation. Our patients belong to the high-risk group by definition. Hospitals, outpatient clinics, and medical practices have had to be restructured and reorganize their priorities. Workflows had to be re-examined with regard to factual and time-related aspects with hygiene in mind. The goal has been to ensure continued care for patients, while at the same time protecting the employees trained for that very purpose.
