What is a common use of immunophenotyping?

Immunophenotyping is primarily utilized to identify and characterize the specific cell types present in a sample, particularly in hematology and oncology. This process involves the use of monoclonal antibodies to bind to specific markers on the surface of cells, allowing for the detailed analysis of cell populations based on their unique antigen expressions. By assessing these markers, immunophenotyping can determine the stage of cell maturation, which is especially relevant in differentiating normal from malignant cells and understanding the progression of diseases such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Determining blood type, detecting viral infections, and measuring hemoglobin levels involve different methodologies and do not utilize the specific principle of immunophenotyping. Blood typing is primarily based on the presence of A and B antigens on the surface of red blood cells. Detecting viral infections typically involves molecular techniques or serological tests that identify viral components or antibodies. Measuring hemoglobin levels is done through hematological analysis rather than the immunophenotypic characterization of cells. Therefore, identifying the stage of cell maturation is the most accurate application of immunophenotyping among the options provided.