What is PGD & CGH?
PGD stands for preimplantation genetic diagnosis, in other words it is genetic testing that is performed on an embryo prior to placing the embryo in the patient’s uterus. American Reproductive Centers is proud to announce that we are offering to all our patients a new technology named CGH (Comparative Genomic Hybridization). This allows us to test all 24 chromosomes, including the sex of the fetus, prior to embryo transfer. CGH is the most advanced and latest in Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis technology. Ask our Doctors how CGH can improve your outcome.
Why do we use PGD?
PGD is used to diagnose genetic problems or chromosomal problems prior to implantation. The following is a list of the main benefits:
- Ensures that only healthy embryos are placed back into the uterus
- To prevent high order multiples (triplets, quadruplets, etc.)
- Decrease the birth rate of children with genetic diseases
- Decreases miscarriages
Studies have shown that using PGD also decreases the number of embryos transferred and thereby decreasing the rate of multiples in patients undergoing IVF.
What diseases can we prevent?
PGD can for the most part detect any known genetic condition. Some examples are:
- Beta Thalassemia
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Fragile X Syndrome
- Sickle cell disease
- Tay-Sachs Disease
- Other conditions
PGD can also diagnose conditions related to abnormal chromosomes.
- Downs Syndrome (extra chromosome 21)
- Turners Syndrome (missing an X chromosome),
- Edwards syndrome (extra chromosome 18)
- Other Abnormalities
How we do PGD at American Reproductive Centers:
At American Reproductive Centers we excel in providing this service to our patients. Our physicians will discuss and customize the appropriate testing based on your specific diagnoses and needs. Our embryologists have extensive training in these techniques and will provide us with results in one to two days.
Once embryos are created during an IVF treatment, each embryo will be biopsied for genetic testing. This is typically done on day three of embryo development. As the embryo develops for two more days the genetic testing is performed and the results are discussed and reviewed with our patient prior to transferring our embryos.
Example of an extra chromosome
