Endocervical fetal trophoblast for prenatal genetic diagnosis.
OBJECTIVE
For over a decade, methods of first-trimester, noninvasive prenatal genetic diagnosis have been actively pursued by many investigators. Isolation of fetal trophoblast from endocervical specimens remains an attractive approach, given the greater numbers of fetal cells than in maternal blood and the better potential for fetal-cell identification based on markers specific for a single cell type (trophoblasts).


RESULTS
Current studies demonstrate feasibility in identification and molecular analysis of fetal trophoblast cells for prenatal genetic testing. Sampling methods involving lavage, cytobrush, or aspiration of cervical specimens, however, have limitations in the recovery of trophoblasts.


CONCLUSIONS
Clinical applications await further systematic studies to determine safety and accuracy in recovery.
Bischoff
Farideh Z
FZ
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. bischoff@bcm.tmc.edu
Simpson
Joe Leigh
JL
D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017404:In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; D011247:Pregnancy; D011296:Prenatal Diagnosis / Q000379:methods*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation; D014327:Trophoblasts / Q000166:cytology*; D014626:Vaginal Smears / Q000379:methods