Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) at our Dallas area and Fort Worth, Texas center helps to detect chromosomal and genetic disorders early. It is opportunity particularly useful tool for couples who are at risk for transmitting genetic disease to their children.
PGD, or Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, is a relatively new technology.
There are primarily two types of PGD that are performed. One type is to
determine whether or not the chromosomal structure is normal, whether or
not we have the proper numbers of chromosomes in an embryo.
Another purpose of PGD can be to identify potentially single gene defects.
These are diseases such as cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy. As a
whole, PGD allows us to evaluate whether or not an embryo has a high or a
low potential to be genetically abnormal.
PGD is done as a part of the IVF process. Typically on the third day of
laboratory culture of the embryo, a biopsy of the embryo is performed,
where one of six or eight cells is removed. The cell is then analyzed to
determine whether or not it has the proper chromosomal structure or the
proper genetics, and that can help guide us in terms of the decision, two
days later, as to which embryo we should be transferring back into the
uterus.