Laboratory Investigation of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs):  Recommendations of the Canadian Mpn Group.
OBJECTIVE
To standardize diagnostic investigations for myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) to increase homogeneity in patient care and to streamline diagnostic approaches in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.


METHODS
The development of Canadian expert consensus recommendations for the diagnosis of MPNs began with a review of the following: clinical evidence, daily practice, existing treatment guidelines, and availability of diagnostic tools. Each group member was assigned a specific topic, which they discussed with the entire group during several consensus meetings.


RESULTS
This document provides the Canadian MPN group's recommendations, proposed diagnostic algorithms, and background evidence upon which decisions were made.


CONCLUSIONS
Standardization of diagnostic investigations will increase homogeneity in patient care and provide a foundation for future clinical research in this rapidly evolving therapeutic area. Streamlining diagnostic approaches in the most efficient and cost-effective manner will also result in significant cost saving for the health care system.
From the Department of Laboratory Hematology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Universté De Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada lbusque.hmr@ssss.gouv.qc.ca vikas.gupta@uhn.ca.
Lambert
L
Busque
Department of Pathology, University Health Network Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology.
Anna
A
Porwit
Fusion MD Medical Science Network, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
Radmila
R
Day
Department of Hematology and Transfusional Medicine, Centre Hospitalier De L'Université De Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
Harold J
HJ
Olney
Department of Medicine, Hematology and Thromboembolism, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Brian
B
Leber
From the Department of Laboratory Hematology, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Universté De Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
Vincent
V
Éthier
Division of Hematology, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
Shireen
S
Sirhan
Division of Hematology, St Paul's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Linda
L
Foltz
Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada.
Jaroslav
J
Prchal
Department of Pathology, University Health Network Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology.
Suzanne
S
Kamel-Reid
Pathology & Laboratory Medicine and Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Aly
A
Karsan
Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada lbusque.hmr@ssss.gouv.qc.ca vikas.gupta@uhn.ca.
Vikas
V
Gupta
D002170:Canada; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital; D009196:Myeloproliferative Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology
BCR-ABL negative; CALR; Essential thrombocythemia; JAK2 V617F; MPL; Myelofibrosis; Myeloproliferative neoplasms; Polycythemia vera