Abstract: There is provided a method for identifying at least one foetal erythroblast the method comprising: (a) detecting the expression of at least one foetal erythroblast specific marker selected from the group consisting of neutral amino acid transporter B (SLC1A5), solute carrier family 3 (activators of dibasic and neutral amino acid transport) member 2 isoform A (SLC3A2), Splice Isoform A of Chloride channel protein 6, Transferrin receptor protein 1, Splice Isoform 3 of Protein GPR107 precursor, Olfactory receptor 11H4, Splice Isoform 1 of Protein C9orf5, Cleft lip and palate transmembrane protein 1, BCG induced integral membrane protein BIGM103, Antibacterial protein FALL-39 precursor, CAAX prenyl protease 1 homolog, Splice Isoform 2 of Synaptophysin-like protein, Vitamin K epoxide reductase complex subunit 1-like protein 1, Splice Isoform 1 of Protein C20orf22 (ABHD12), Hypothetical protein DKFZp564K247 (Hypoxia induced gene 1 protein) (IPI Accession No.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention is directed to methods of separating foetal nucleated red blood cells (FNRBCs) from a sample comprising contacting the sample with an agent that specifically recognizes CD147, thereby producing a mixture; maintaining the mixture under conditions in which a complex forms between the agent and the CD147 in the sample; and separating the complex from the mixture; thereby separating the FNRBCs from the sample. In other embodiments, the invention is directed to methods of detecting FNRBCs in a sample comprising contacting the sample with an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof that specifically binds CD147, thereby producing a combination; maintaining the combination under conditions in which an immune complex forms between the antibody and FNRBCs present in the sample; and detecting whether the immune complex forms in the combination; wherein if the immune complex is detected then FNRBCs are present in the sample.