What is Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD)?

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a procedure whereby a single cell is removed from an embryo created through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Genetic testing of that cell can determine whether or not the embryo from which the cell was removed, carries a genetic defect. Couples who may benefit from PGD include those in whom one or both partners are carriers of a severe genetic defect. Usually these couples will either have a family history of the disease or have had a previous child with the disease. By testing the embryos for the disease, only unaffected embryos are transferred thereby minimizing the risk of transmitting a severe genetic disease to the offspring. The list of genetic diseases that can be diagnosed by PGD is extensive. The physicians at Arkansas Fertility & Gynecology, in conjunction with specialists in reproductive genetics, will determine if PGD is appropriate for a couple with a genetic disorder.

Other situations where genetic testing of embryos might be of benefit include women of advanced maternal age, women with recurrent pregnancy loss and women with repeated implantation failure in IVF cycles. Testing of these embryos involves removing a cell from an IVF embryo and determining whether or not the embryo contains the correct number of chromosomes. Only chromosomally normal embryos are replaced in the uterus.