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.