Microsystems technology for the separation of fetal cells from maternal blood

At present the successful diagnosis of fetal abnormalities relies on the analysis of fetal genetic material obtained through invasive procedures such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling (CVS). These procedures are expensive, time consuming and have the potential to cause harm to both the fetus and mother. A review of current diagnostic techniques in the field of prenatal care is presented. State of the art developments in fetal cell separation from maternal blood are discussed. A novel device concept that uses Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) manufacturing methods and magnetic field filtration is described.