PGD (Pre Implantation Genetic Diagnosis)
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) was developed in the late 1980s as an alternative to prenatal diagnosis and possible termination of pregnancy of an affected fetus for couples who are at risk of passing on serious genetic diseases to their children.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis technique requires to test embryos for genetic disorders before it implants in the womb (uterus). It avoids the need for the termination of pregnancy.
An increasing number of genetic disorders can now be diagnosed by this technique.
It should be noted that genetic disorders could be due to either a single gene disorder or more than one gene.
In cases of recurrent chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s syndrome and recurrent miscarriages caused by parental translocations, the number, and character of several chromosomes can be determined.
How is PGD / PGS performed?
Controlled ovarian stimulation is done using Gonadotropins. TVS monitoring of follicles is done. The trigger is administered once follicles reach maturity. Egg retrieval is performed. Husband’s semen sample is obtained. ICSI is used for fertilization. This is to reduce the risk of contamination with sperm DNA.
Embryo biopsy is performed on blastocysts.6-10 cells are obtained from the trophectoderm layer. The procedure is carried out under the microscope without damaging embryo’s ability to continue to develop normally (because at this stage of development none of the embryo cells have become specialized). The cell is then analyzed for the presence of genetic disorders.