Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a highly specialised test performed to detect genetic and chromosomal or genetic abnormalities in the embryo prior to its transfer into the mother’s womb. Indications for PGD include:

• You or your partner has a family history of chromosomal abnormalities
• Previous pregnancy with genetic abnormality
• Your child has a risk of being born with an inherited genetic condition
• Recurrent miscarriage
• Advanced maternal age
• Recurrent IVF failure

PGD testing is performed on a day 5/6 old embryo. A few cells are extracted from the embryo and tested for different conditions. Embryos which clear the test and are unaffected by any kind of genetic conditions or abnormalities are used. Some of the conditions that can be diagnosed using PGD are cystic fibrosis, Down’s syndrome and Thalassemia.