Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enriching fetal nuclei from a sample. Enriched fetal nuclei can be used in a variety of procedures including, detection of a trait of interest such as a disease trait, or a genetic predisposition thereto, gender typing and parentage testing.

Abstract: A sampling device adapted for transcervical sampling of biological materials from a pregnant patient comprising: an elongate insertion tube (4) having a first end (5) adapted for insertion through the external orifice (external os) of said patient's cervix and a second end (6) including a handle means (7) for manipulating said tube; a measuring means for determining the position of said first end of said tube within said cervix, wherein said first end (5) includes a sampling head (9, 14) adapted to collect biological material including cells, mucus and biological fluids, and wherein said measuring means is adapted to determine the extent of insertion and transcervical position of said first end to optimize the transcervical sampling site.

Abstract: A sampling device adapted for transcervical sampling of biological materials from a pregnant patient comprising: an elongate insertion tube (4) having a first end (5) adapted for insertion through the external orifice (external os) of said patient's cervix and a second end (6) including a handle means (7) for manipulating said tube; a measuring means for determining the position of said first end of said tube within said cervix, wherein said first end (5) includes a sampling head (9, 14) adapted to collect biological material including cells, mucus and biological fluids, and wherein said measuring means is adapted to determine the extent of insertion and transcervical position of said first end to optimise the transcervical sampling site.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to a sampling device adapted for sampling of biological materials from a subject and methods of use or manufacture of such devices, as well as diagnostic methods employing such devices and kits including such devices. The sampling device may comprise: an outer tube; an elongate insertion member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is distal of the second end, the insertion member being received in and sized to be movable through the outer tube; a coupling portion disposed at the first end of the insertion member; and a sampling portion coupled to the coupling portion and configured to collect the biological materials. The coupling portion is separable from the insertion member.

Abstract: A sampling device adapted for transcervical sampling of biological materials from a pregnant patient comprising: an elongate insertion tube (4) having a first end (5) adapted for insertion through the external orifice (external os) of said patient's cervix and a second end (6) including a handle means (7) for manipulating said tube; a measuring means for determining the position of said first end of said tube within said cervix, wherein said first end (5) includes a sampling head (9, 14) adapted to collect biological material including cells, mucus and biological fluids, and wherein said measuring means is adapted to determine the extent of insertion and transcervical position of said first end to optimise the transcervical sampling site.

Abstract: This application relates to methods for enriching DNA from a first cell type from a sample comprising DNA from the first cell type and DNA from a second cell type, wherein the first cell type methylates DNA to a lesser extent than the second cell type. DNA is enriched by, selecting for fragments by size after digestion of the sample with a methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme. Cell types of interest include fetal cells and cancerous cells. The enriched DNA can be used for a variety of procedures including, detection of a trait of interest such as a disease trait, or a genetic predisposition thereto, gender typing and parentage testing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enriching free fetal nucleic acids from a cervical sample. The enriched fetal nucleic acids can be used in a variety of procedures including, detection of a trait of interest such as a disease trait, or a genetic predisposition thereto, gender typing and parentage testing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enriching fetal nuclei from a sample. Enriched fetal nuclei can be used in a variety of procedures including, detection of a trait of interest such as a disease trait, or a genetic predisposition thereto, gender typing and parentage testing.

Abstract: A sampling device adapted for transcervical sampling of biological materials from a pregnant patient comprising: an elongate insertion tube (4) having a first end (5) adapted for insertion through the external orifice (external os) of said patient's cervix and a second end (6) including a handle means (7) for manipulating said tube; a measuring means for determining the position of said first end of said tube within said cervix, wherein said first end (5) includes a sampling head (9, 14) adapted to collect biological material including cells, mucus and biological fluids, and wherein said measuring means is adapted to determine the extent of insertion and transcervical position of said first end to optimise the transcervical sampling site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of processing and/or enriching cells from a pregnant female. More particularly the invention provides methods for processing and/or enriching fetal cells from a pregnant female. The enriched fetal cells can be used in a variety of procedures including, detection of a trait of interest such as a disease trait, or a genetic predisposition thereto, gender typing and parentage testing.