Comparison of methods for erythroblast selection: Application to selectingfetal erythroblasts from maternal blood

Background: Many methods have been employed to obtain fetal cells from mate rnal blood for prenatal diagnostics, but there has been little work done th at compares the efficacy of different methods. This study presents a compar ison of two commonly used methods for selecting erythroblasts with selectio n directly from whole blood. Methods: Erytbroblasts were isolated from maternal blood by either differen tial lysis or density separation, followed by selection with,in antibody to the transferrin receptor. These methods were compared with antibody select ion directly from whole blood. The total yield of erythroblasts was determi ned for each method. Results: Red cell lysis is not recommended because the lysis step cannot be well controlled. Density separation followed by antibody selection works w ell. However, a faster and simpler method, antibody selection directly from whole blood using Immunicon Ferrofluid and magnetic separators, works as w ell and has the potential to yield even more cells. Conclusions: Considering the need for a simple and quick method for selecti ng fetal cells from maternal blood, we suggest selection directly from whol e blood. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.