Applied Imaging Corporation

Patricia J Baldwin

Michael A Zarowitz

Alexander M Saunders

A method for isolating and enriching rare cells, including fetal nucleated erythrocytes from a peripheral blood sample is described. The method includes two centrifugation steps, the first a bulk separation step to enrich erythrocytes from other blood components. The second centrifugation comprises a colloidal density gradient medium dispersed in a hypertonic meltable gel. In one aspect of the invention, maternal erythrocytes may be hemolyzed prior to the second density gradient centrifugation to provide additional enrichment for fetal nucleated erythrocytes.

Method for separating rare cells from a population of cells

A centrifuge tube and adaptor apparatus is provided which facilitates separation of biological materials and permits easy extraction of a fraction after centrifugation. The tube is a deformable tube with a wide upper chamber and a narrowed lower portion. The tube is supported within the centrifuge rotor or within another container within the centrifuge by a liquid support medium, which surrounds and supports the narrow portion of the tube, and thus prevents the tube from collapsing during high speed centrifugations.

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Sunnyvale, CA, United States of America

Patricia J Baldwin