immunophenotyping
Pronunciation: im-yoo-no-FEE-no-typ-ing
The process of identifying cells based on the types of antigens or markers on their surface, crucial for hematologic malignancy classification.
Full Definition
Immunophenotyping is the analysis of cell surface and intracellular proteins (antigens) using specific antibodies to characterize and classify different cell populations. In hematologic oncology, immunophenotyping is performed primarily through flow cytometry to identify the lineage, maturation stage, and abnormal characteristics of leukemic or lymphomatous cells. This technique uses panels of monoclonal antibodies directed against cluster of differentiation (CD) antigens and is essential for accurate diagnosis and subclassification of blood cancers.
Usage
Usage note: One word, not hyphenated; often confused with immunohistochemistry, which is performed on tissue sections rather than cell suspensions.
In Context
- "Immunophenotyping revealed a CD19-positive, CD10-negative B-cell population." — Flow cytometry report
- "The immunophenotyping panel was expanded to include additional T-cell markers." — Laboratory procedure