Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying and/or enriching fetal cells from maternal blood, using as fetal cell markers the antibodies that the mother produces against paternally inherited fetal antigens. The fetal cell-maternal antibody complexes are identified and isolated using labelled agents that bind to the maternal antibodies. The present invention also provides fetal cells, isolated by use of said maternal antibodies, as a source of fetal DNA for prenatal genetic diagnosis of the fetus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for ameliorating &bgr;-globin disorders in a mammal. In one aspect of the invention, the treatment involves ex vivo treatment of early erythroid progenitor cells that leads to an increase in the relative amounts of cells subsequently expressing and accumulating HbF. The cell treatment is to be followed by transplantation of the modified cells. In another aspect of the invention, the same modification of progenitor cells occurs in vivo. Both treatments are based on the novel discovery that the modification can be performed very early in the erythroid maturation process, without disturbance of the subsequent proliferation and maturation of the erythroid precursor. The present invention also provides a procedure for the monitoring of &bgr;-globinopathies and the response of a patient to treatment.

Abstract: A flow cytometer and a method for determining properties of single cells or other particles including passing stream of particles through a zone of analysis where a light source directs a beam of light to perpendicularly intersect the stream of particles so that only a single cell is exposed to the light beam. An array of optical fibres adjacent the zone of analysis collects the light refracted by the cells as each cell passes through the zone of analysis. Each fibre is connected to a photomultiplier for converting the light to electrical signals which are analyzed by an electronic analysis unit to determine the particle properties. The angle at which the light is collected by said optical fibre is adjustable to permit more light to be collected to yield more information about the particle.