[Application of the PRINS technique for chromosome examination in fetal cells present in maternal blood]. / Application de la technique PRINS à l'examen chromosomique des cellules foetales présentes dans le sang maternal.

ABSTRACT

Both detection and chromosomal analysis of fetal cells present in the maternal circulation can be performed using Histopaque double density gradient centrifugation followed by primed in situ (PRINS) labeling technique. This approach has been tested on blood samples from 15 pregnant women and 6 control donors with primers specific for chromosomes 9, X and Y. The cell separation technique allows recovery of both mononuclear cells and polynuclear cells with a 97% efficiency. PRINS labeling was successful in 100% cells from control blood samples. Among patient samples, 2 "false-negative" results were observed. These preliminary results suggest that the present protocol might be efficient for non-invasive prenatal chromosome analysis.