Fetal Cell Enrichment and Identification based on New Antibody Markers, the ISET and Telomere Differentiation Assays
Techniques for optimal fetal cell enrichment from maternal blood will be investigated and developed using high specificity antibodies for the detection of erythroblast and trophoblast cells. This approach will then be combined with identification of fetal cells, based on nuclear size (ISET) and telomere length differences (TDA). Fetal cell identification will be confirmed either directly by fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) or subsequent to micromanipulation by PCR (using Y markers in male pregnancies)
Automated Recognition of Fetal Cells
An Algorithm Resource Centre will be established to enable the evaluation of automated scanning and micromanipulation devices using the latest computer techniques to allow rapid and automated identification of fetal cells as well as NIPD of common chromosome disorders by technology developed within the Network
Fetal Circulatory Nucleic acids
The objective of this work area is co-ordinating a series of measures to implement widespread non-invasive prenatal diagnosis throughout the EU. The definition of fetal RhD blood group status is a key objective which has been recommended by several European and International organisations. Attention will also focus on the coordinated improvement of the NIPD efficacy in using paternal markers for common single gene disorders (such as BetaThalassemia), as well as new markers for the diagnosis of common chromosome disorders (such as Trisomy 21 Down Syndrome)
New Approaches for Non Invasive Prenatal Diagnosis and Neonatal Screening
The Network will attempt to gauge the influence of modern high-throughput genotyping tools on prenatal and neonatal screening programs as well as ascertain the response of these by the clinical community and the broader public
Psychosocial Aspects of Risk Assessment
This area will investigate how pregnant women and their partners make decisions on whether and what prenatal tests they wish to have performed. It will also look at how physicians manage different kinds of uncertainties and how the medical messages are conveyed. This will enable more meaningful probability information to be given pregnant women in the future
Socio-economic Factors
SAFE will examine socio-economic and health policy issues associated with the scientific advances in order to guide the direction of the research and to establish public awareness, concerns and needs regarding the clinical application of non-invasive prenatal and neonatal diagnostic tools
Ethical Aspect of Non-invasive Prenatal Diagnosis and Neonatal Screening
There are many ethical concerns generated by non-invasive prenatal diagnosis and neonatal screening. A major objective of the SAFE NoE is to develop an ethical package of best practice from within the SAFE Network to roll out to all EU member states .