Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) and Pre-Implantation Genetic Screening (PGS) are procedures used to test IVF embryos for genetic abnormalities, chromosomal disorders or familial diseases. A few cells are removed from the embryo and the genetic material within the cells is analysed. This supports the selection of the embryos that have the best chance for successful pregnancy. PGD and PGS is an option for couples who have an increased risk of passing on genetic disorders and/or who are carriers of conditions such as cystic fibrosis, Duchenne Muscular atrophy, Huntington Disease, hereditary cancer syndrome (BRCA1 & 2) and other specific genetic conditions including single gene disorders, sickle cell and sex-linked diseases like haemophilia. Couples who have familial history of genetic disorders are advised to see our Geneticist for counselling before determining whether to go for PGD/ PGS testing. PGD testing is specific to the family and requires DNA samples from the couple and also family members in some cases. PGT-A is Pre-implantation genetic testing for Aneuploidy and PGD is pre-implantation genetic diagnosis.

These Procedures are Advised:

1. In women are over 40 years of age and plan to have IVF
2. In women or in couples who have recurrent implantation failure
3. In couples who have had recurrent miscarriages
4. In couples who have a genetic disease
5. Pre-implantation genetic testing means that we test the embryo prior to transfer to see if it is chromosomally normal.

IVF Process is performed in the same way and the embryos are cultured to day 5 until they become blastocysts. And then a few cells are taken from the outer covering of the embryo which is called trophectoderm and sent for biopsy and the embryo is frozen. Once the embryos are tested, we get the results back telling us which embryos are chromosomally normal and which are worthy of transfer. Based on this we transfer the embryos.

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