Programs and Services

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a form of genetic testing used with in vitro fertilization (IVF). Your physician may recommend PGD if there is a chance your embryos will be affected by certain chromosomal problems or a sex-linked disorder. These conditions can prevent implantation of embryos, lead to pregnancy loss, or result in the birth of a child with physical problems and/or mental retardation.

The PGD procedure allows genetic testing to be performed on early embryos prior to implantation and pregnancy development, thereby decreasing the likelihood of a chromosomal abnormality or sex-linked disorder.

PGD can also help couples whose biological child is in need of a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplant also called a bone marrow transplant. By using IVF and PGD, couples can identify and transfer an embryo that is an HLA match for the child in need of HPC transplant. At the birth of the matched sibling, umbilical cord blood can be collected and used to treat the affected child.

Currently, the Reproductive Medicine Center offers PGD for the following indications:

Last Review Date: July 3, 2008

Online Editor(s): Richard Petre

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