Methods and systems for genetic analysis of fetal nucleated red blood cells

Abstract

Methods for determining genetic status of a fetus from a sample of maternal blood comprise enriching nucleated red blood cells in the sample, including both fetal and maternal nucleated red blood cells. The nucleated red blood cells are then differentiated from all other blood cells in the enriched sample, and the nucleated red blood cells genetically screened to determine the genetic status. The nucleated red blood cells may be differentiated by immobilizing all enriched blood cells on a solid phase and locating the nucleated red blood cells for interrogation. Optionally, the nucleated red blood cells may be sorted and separated from other enriched blood cells in a liquid phase.

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