The technique of identifying genetic defects in embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) before pregnancy is Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis or PGD. It is especially used when one or both sets of parents have a known genetic marker that can result in genetic disease in the baby or/and the couple already have an affected baby so that a healthy offspring can be born.
Following the IVF procedure, the embryo is tested to ascertain if it is affected or a genetic disease carrier. PGD is a genetic diagnostic technique developed in the late 1980s. It has been refined to an extent making it easy to examine all the 23 pairs of chromosomes with minimum to no risk to the embryo.
What does the process of PGD involve?
Step 1
PGD begins with the process of IVF
Step 2
Once the embryos reach five days old, a couple of cells are micro-surgically removed. The cell DNA is examined to determine any disease-carrying or problematic gene within the cell. This process may take up to 6-7 days.
Step 3
Once the PGD is completed and has established that the embryo(s) are healthy, it is implanted inside the uterus.
As it can take up to a week for the PGD tests to be available, all the biopsied embryos are usually frozen. Once the results are available, embryos free of genetic issues are implanted in a frozen embryo transfer process, eradicating the problematic embryos.
Who will benefit from PGD?
Carriers of chromosomal disorders
Sex-linked genetic disorders
Single gene disorders
One of the major advantages of PGD has been that parents can get quite a few genetic conditions tested. As the process for PGD is performed and determined before implantation, the couple has a choice to ensure their child is born healthy without some genetic diseases looming on the head.
While there are definite advantages of PGD and reduced chances of certain genetic disorders, we usually advise couples to undergo prenatal testing.
Who will benefit from PGD?
Carriers of chromosomal disorders
Sex-linked genetic disorders
Single gene disorders
One of the major advantages of PGD has been that parents can get quite a few genetic conditions tested. As the process for PGD is performed and determined before implantation, the couple has a choice to ensure their child is born healthy without some genetic diseases looming on the head.
While there are definite advantages of PGD and reduced chances of certain genetic disorders, we usually advise couples to undergo prenatal testing.
PGD at MotherToBe
We at KIMS Fertility Centre have been offering this cutting edge technology to couples at high risk of having children suffering from genetic diseases since 2013. The expertise of the clinical and embryology team matters most here. We are privileged to offer this technology to couples in need.
Book an Appointment
