Preventing Genetic Disease Through PGD – Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
Genetic screening of embryos – Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) – allows fertility specialists to test and identify those embryos having a genetic defect. PGD prevents hereditary diseases from being passed from parents to their children. Dr. John Zhang recommends PGD in conjunction with IVF for couples who are known carriers of a single gene disorder (genetic disease).
PGD Detects Single Cell Genetic Diseases
The most common single cell genetic diseases tested for through PGD are:
- Hemophilia
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Sickel Cell Anemia
- Tay Saches Disease
- Spinal Muscular Atrophy
- Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy
- Thalassemia
PGD Procedure in Conjunction with IVF
PGD is conducted in conjunction with Conventional IVF when embryos have reached the blastocyst stage in vitro (5 to 6 days culture). Cells are carefully removed from each embryo using a microsurgery technique. The DNA from the cells are then analyzed to determine if the embryo should be diagnosed as having a genetic disease. Only healthy, quality embryos are then transferred to the mother’s uterus for implantation and a successful pregnancy.
PGD is used in conjunction with Conventional IVF to increase the chance of transferring only a genetically disease-free embryo resulting in the birth of a healthy baby.
Dr. Zhang also recommends PGD be conducted in conjunction with:
Other Benefits of PGD
It is important to note that PGD does not detect HIV. When PGD is used in conjunction with the IVF procedure, the chance of losing a baby due to genetic disease, or having a child born with birth defects, is dramatically reduced. While this process does not eliminate the need for testing during pregnancy, it provides a number of assurances. Through PGD, more invasive testing such as amniocentesis can be avoided during the pregnancy, further reducing the likelihood of a fluid exchange between an HIV mother and unborn baby. Avoiding fluid transmission is one way to increase the odds of having a baby born HIV negative.
PGD Specialist – Dr. John Zhang
To discover if PGD in conjunction with IVF can help you have a healthy baby free of genetic disease, contact fertility specialist Dr. John Zhang.
Schedule your initial consultation with Dr. John Zhang by calling 917-525-5496.
