Etymed
immunophenotyping
Definition
The process of identifying and classifying cells based on their surface markers and characteristics using immunological techniques
Clinical context
A 28-year-old woman presents with fatigue and lymphadenopathy. Laboratory studies reveal an abnormal population of lymphocytes on flow cytometry. Immunophenotyping of the peripheral blood cells shows CD19 positivity with CD5 negativity, consistent with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. This technique helps differentiate between various lymphoid malignancies by analyzing specific surface markers.
Mnemonic
Immunophenotyping: Identify cells by their surface markers (I-C-E) - Immunological Characterization of Cells