Abstract: Techniques for acquiring and analyzing M-FISH images in a manner that allows for proper image registration; and techniques for combining a plurality of registered images to provide labeled images. Epi-illumination embodiments use multiple filter cubes for different subsets of the entire set of desired dyes. The registration problem is addressed by configuring the different multiband cubes so that pairs of cubes have a common dye for which they are configured. Accordingly, a first set of images generated with a first cube includes an image that corresponds to (contains the same features as) one of the images in a second set of images generated with a second cube. This allows the first set of images to be precisely and accurately aligned with the second set of images. A method for generating a labeled image typically includes a normalization of the pixel intensities within each image, followed by a transformation to ratio images.

Abstract: Detection of fetal nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) is achieved by employing a combination of brightfield and fluorescence images of nuclear and cytoplasmic markers. The brightfield and fluorescence images are all obtained with a single multi-bandpass dichroic mirror. The objects in the sample are stained with a fluorescent dye that selectively stains nuclei and a dye that selectively stains fetal hemoglobin in the cytoplasm of fetal RBCs. UV excitation provides fluorescent emissions from the stained cell nuclei and visible illumination provides brightfield transmission of light that is absorbed by the stained cytoplasm. The images are processed to determine regions where the fluorescent emissions by cell nuclei in response to the UV excitation and the absorption by fetal hemoglobin of the brightfield illumination overlap or are in close proximity.

Abstract: Techniques for acquiring and analyzing M-FISH images in a manner that allows for proper image registration; and techniques for combining a plurality of registered images to provide labeled images. Epi-illumination embodiments use multiple filter cubes for different subsets of the entire set of desired dyes. The registration problem is addressed by configuring the different multiband cubes so that pairs of cubes have a common dye for which they are configured. Accordingly, a first set of images generated with a first cube includes an image that corresponds to (contains the same features as) one of the images in a second set of images generated with a second cube. This allows the first set of images to be precisely and accurately aligned with the second set of images. A method for generating a labeled image typically includes a normalization of the pixel intensities within each image, followed by a transformation to ratio images.

Abstract: An in vitro method of identifying or isolating fetal cells from a blood sample is described. Fetal nucleated erythrocytes or erythroblasts are identified by using an antibody or antibody fragment specific for embryonic hemoglobin or an embryonic hemoglobin chain. Once the fetal cells are identified, they can be treated to render the fetal nucleic acids or proteins available for identification or amplification. Detecting the occurrence or existence of selected fetal nucleic acids or proteins allows a quantitative or qualitative diagnostic or prenatal evaluation, including determining the sex of the fetus, determining chromosomal, single gene or protein abnormalities, and determining the presence or absence of particular genes, nucleic acid sequences or proteins.