Abstract: A process for isolating or extracting rare cells from a biological sample comprising filtering a biological sample, which may be treated or diluted, through a filter that has a pore size, pore density or other physical properties that retain rare cells, but which permits other kinds of cells to pass through the filter. This process also comprises multiple analyses performed on rare cells after their extraction or isolation by filtration to diagnostically identify the presence of rare cells in a biological sample and to use their diagnostic identification and molecular characterization for diagnostic purposes such as for early diagnosis of diseases, namely for early diagnosis of cancer and to select, guide, monitor treatments and in particular to select targeted treatments and to monitor the response and/or resistance to them.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating biological particles from the liquid containing same for purification, analysis and optionally diagnostic purposes. The inventive method comprises at least one step involving vertical filtration through a filter having a porosity that is adapted to the type of biological particles to be separated, such that said particles are retained by the filter. The invention is characterised in that: (i) the method involves the use of a filter comprising at least one basic filtration zone, whereby each basic filtration zone has a limited surface area; and (ii) the surface area of each basic filtration zone and the number of basic filtration zones are selected as a function of the type of liquid to be filtered, the type of biological particles to be separated and the volume of liquid to be filtered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating biological particles from the liquid containing same for purification, analysis and optionally diagnostic purposes. The inventive method comprises at least one step involving vertical filtration through a filter having a porosity that is adapted to the type of biological particles to be separated, such that said particles are retained by the filter. The invention is characterised in that: (i) the method involves the use of a filter comprising at least one basic filtration zone, whereby each basic filtration zone has a limited surface area; and (ii) the surface area of each basic filtration zone and the number of basic filtration zones are selected as a function of the type of liquid to be filtered, the type of biological particles to be separated and the volume of liquid to be filtered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating biological particles from the liquid containing same for purification, analysis and optionally diagnostic purposes. The inventive method comprises at least one step involving vertical filtration through a filter having a porosity that is adapted to the type of biological particles to be separated, such that said particles are retained by the filter. The invention is characterized in that: (i) the method involves the use of a filter comprising at least one basic filtration zone, whereby each basic filtration zone has a limited surface area; and (ii) the surface area of each basic filtration zone and the number of basic filtration zones are selected as a function of the type of liquid to be filtered, the type of biological particles to be separated and the volume of liquid to be filtered.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating biological particles from the liquid containing same for purification, analysis and optionally diagnostic purposes. The inventive method comprises at least one step involving vertical filtration through a filter having a porosity that is adapted to the type of biological particles to be separated, such that said particles are retained by the filter. The invention is characterised in that: (i) the method involves the use of a filter comprising at least one basic filtration zone, whereby each basic filtration zone has a limited surface area; and (ii) the surface area of each basic filtration zone and the number of basic filtration zones are selected as a function of the type of liquid to be filtered, the type of biological particles to be separated and the volume of liquid to be filtered.

Abstract: A process for isolating or extracting rare cells from a biological sample comprising filtering a biological sample, which may be treated or diluted, through a filter that has a pore size, pore density or other physical properties that retain rare cells, but which permits other kinds of cells to pass through the filter. This process also comprises multiple analyses performed on rare cells after their extraction or isolation by filtration to diagnostically identify the presence of rare cells in a biological sample and to use their diagnostic identification and molecular characterization for diagnostic purposes such as for early diagnosis of diseases, namely for early diagnosis of cancer and to select, guide, monitor treatments and in particular to select targeted treatments and to monitor the response and/or resistance to them.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel non-invasive prenatal diagnostic method implemented with a sample of maternal blood. Said method enables prenatal diagnosis on isolated non-apoptotic epithelial foetal cells of maternal blood after they have been enriched by filtration, morphologically or immunologically and genetically analysed. Said method is advantageous in that it is perfectly harmless for the mother and the foetus and provides a highly sensitive and specific diagnosis. It enables early detection of a genetic or chromosomal abnormality of the foetus, of a genetic or infectious (viral, bacterial or parasitic) pathology of the foetus, of accurate genotype, and in particular of the genetic sex of the foetus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of separating biological particles from the liquid containing same for purification, analysis and optionally diagnostic purposes. The inventive method comprises at least one step involving vertical filtration through a filter having a porosity that is adapted to the type of biological particles to be separated, such that said particles are retained by the filter. The invention is characterised in that: (i) the method involves the use of a filter comprising at least one basic filtration zone, whereby each basic filtration zone has a limited surface area; and (ii) the surface area of each basic filtration zone and the number of basic filtration zones are selected as a function of the type of liquid to be filtered, the type of biological particles to be separated and the volume of liquid to be filtered.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel non-invasive prenatal diagnostic method implemented with a sample of maternal blood. Said method enables prenatal diagnosis on isolated non-apoptotic epithelial foetal cells of maternal blood after they have been enriched by filtration, morphologically or immunologically and genetically analysed. Said method is advantageous in that it is perfectly harmless for the mother and the foetus and provides a highly sensitive and specific diagnosis. It enables early detection of a genetic or chromosomal abnormality of the foetus, of a genetic or infectious (viral, bacterial or parasitic) pathology of the foetus, of accurate genotype, and in particular of the genetic sex of the foetus.

Abstract: The invention concerns the identification of cellular genes involved in oncogenesis, by insertional mutagenesis of the hepatitis B virus. Besides novel genes (including a gene of the MCM family), the invention further concerns the involvement of TRAP-150, SERCA-1, hTERT, CCT7, NMP 84p, TRKB, TRUP, ST3GalVI, and IP3R1 genes in cancerology.