| abstract |
Methods of preparing fetal cells from samples of maternal peripheral blood are provided. A suspension of mononuclear cells is prepared from a maternal blood sample. Maternal cells are then depleted from the sample by adding magnetically coupled antibodies specific for markers present on adult cells, followed by binding the cells to a column in the presence of a magnetic field. From the depleted fraction, fetal erythrocytes are enriched by magnetic cell sorting (MACS). These nucleated erythrocytes are then used as a source of fetal genetic material, which is analyzed for the presence of chromosomal or genetic abnormalities, or for the presence of a Y chromosome, by conventional methods such as probes for in situ hybridization, metaphase spreads, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). |