Isolating Fetal Cells From Maternal Blood

Current and emerging techniques of fetal cell separation from maternal blood

“…Fetal leukocytes were the first fetal cells to be separated by FACS in 1979 by Herzenberg et al [47], based on differences in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression. However this method requires the knowledge of the parental HLA type before sorting [18,48]. Bianchi et al carried out the first detection of fetal NRBCS by flow cytometry in 1990 [45].…”

“…The separation was solely done on the expression of CD71, followed by PCR for the detection of Y specific sequences. Unwanted cells can also be depleted by selecting for markers on the surface maternal cells for example CD45, CD4, CD32 and CD19 therefore relatively pure populations of fetal cells can be obtained using a combination of cell markers with FACS [46,48,49]. Unfortunately most flow cytometers are not simple instruments and require specially trained personnel.…”

Diagnóstico pré-natal

“…A aplicação dos cicladores de temperatura para a multiplicação de genes com o uso da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) é capaz de multiplicar genes ou regiões específicas de genes milhões de vezes no intervalo de algumas horas. Com isso, é de se esperar que em futuro bem próximo será possível o diagnóstico bioquímico de alterações de várias doenças genéticas e mesmo de doenças infecto-contagiosas com o uso de células fetais obtidas por simples punção venosa da gestante (Simpson & Elias, 1993).…”

The Impact of the Polymerase Chain Reaction in Clinical Medicine

“…One advantage of PCR in human genome testing is that only a few cells are required. For example, Down syndrome can be diagnosed from fetal cells present in maternal blood, 20 and the identity of a rapist can be established from minute specimens collected at the crime scene. 21 Voluntary genetic screening and counseling can be offered to couples at risk for bearing children with genetic diseases.…”