Definition

Immunophenotyping is a diagnostic test to identify both normal and abnormal or malignant cells, which exhibit distinct markers commonly associated with particular types of leukemia and lymphoma. The test involves comparing immune system healthy cells with malignant cells in order to identify various types of leukemia and lymphoma. The findings can also be utilized to forecast the level of aggressiveness exhibited by the cancer, assess its potential response to specific therapies, and identify the prognosis of some types of blood cancers. 

Leukemias and lymphomas result from the uncontrolled proliferation of mutated white blood cells. Because the cells are abnormal, they lack the ability to combat infections or carry out other duties akin to regular white blood cells. Because of the mutations, these cells do not die normally and start to build up inside the bone marrow, lymph nodes, or other body tissues. As the accumulation of abnormal cells within the lymph nodes continues, this is followed by the swelling of the lymph nodes. Lymphomas may occasionally affect the blood and/or bone marrow as well. 

In addition to its application in blood cancer, immunophenotyping serves as a powerful diagnostic procedure applicable to a diverse range of immunodeficiency diseases.

We also have an article on leukemia which you can read here: Leukemia - Definition, Risk Factors and Management.

Indications

There are several indications for the use of immunophenotyping:

• When you exhibit symptoms and signs that are suspected due to leukemia or lymphoma, this test could be recommended to aid in the diagnosis and classification of blood cell malignancies
• To determine whether a particular course of treatment will be effective in treating the cancer
• To know whether the disease has returned after successful treatment (recurrent disease) or persists despite treatment (residual disease) in order to assess the efficacy of the treatment.
• To estimate the progression or prognosis of the patient's condition

Contraindication

There are no individuals for whom it is advised against to do this test. Everyone is eligible to undergo immunophenotyping test.

Preparations Prior to Test

This test does not require any special preparation. It is important to inform your physician of any and all medications, herbs, vitamins, and supplements that you use at the moment. This involves over-the-counter medications and illegal substances that you may take.

The cost of immunophenotyping can be high, and some insurance companies need authorization in advance before the tests can be carried out. Consult your physician and insurance company regarding any necessary prerequisites. 

Test Procedures 

Immunophenotyping can be conducted on many samples, such as blood, bone marrow, or other specimens, in order to obtain further information. A blood sample is acquired through the insertion of a syringe into a vein. A proficient medical professional may perform a bone marrow aspiration and biopsy to obtain a sample of bone marrow from the hip bone. 

A lymph node or other type of tissue sample may occasionally be collected via fine needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy. Specimens of body fluid can be extracted by either getting the fluid in a designated jar or by aspirating a sample of fluid with a syringe inserted into the body cavity.

In this test, the samples that have been taken will go through a series of procedures. Then, the epitope (the part of the antigen that binds to the antibody) will be stained and examined using a tool called a flow cytometer.

Normal and Abnormal Values

Immunophenotyping results and important findings may differ depending on age. There may be variations in the reporting and standard laboratory values observed across different cell lines and surface proteins under investigation.

The presence of markers also known as antigens on the cells, as discovered using immunophenotyping, will aid in identifying the cells. The antigen pattern exhibited by a normal cell is indicative of its cellular type and level of maturation. The outcomes obtained from the immunophenotyping analysis on samples are compared with the antigen patterns observed in "normal" cells along with those linked to abnormal cells, such as those found in lymphomas and leukemias.

Results and Suggestions (Follow-Up Tests)

The immunophenotyping results will be taken into account along with your medical history, physical examination, signs and symptoms, and all laboratory tests by your doctors, in diagnosing your disease. Conditions will vary from individual to individual. 

Typically, abnormal immunophenotyping results are observed in:

• Leukemia
• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML)
• Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
• Multiple myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin lymphomas affecting B-cells and T-cells
• Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID)

Consult to The Right Doctor

The confirmation of leukemia or lymphoma diagnosis relies on the visual analysis of a blood smear, bone marrow biopsy, and /or aspiration to identify specific cell types. Based on the results of immunophenotyping, healthcare professionals can assess the likelihood of the efficacy of the treatment and the level of intensity required for the treatment. Your physicians and their team will provide the treatment plan for your cancer based on immunophenotyping and other relevant testing.

Consult with your oncologist in order to figure out the test results more deeply. Understanding the test requires taking into account your test outcomes along with your general health, risk factors, and symptoms.

Want to know information about laboratory, radiology, and other test results? Click here!