Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is genetic testing on embryos for chromosomal or genetic disorders thus allowing patients at risk for these disorders to have their embryos tested before transfer during am in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle.

PGD requires embryo biopsy and genetic analysis. Only the embryos that have the correct number of number of chromosomes and are free from abnormalities are considered for transfer in the IVF cycle.  The genetic material of the embryo is not altered or harmed in any way during PGD Testing. It is the study of chromosomal and genetic abnormalities in the embryo before its transfer to the recipient mother.

Who should consider PGD?

Aaradhya does not recommend PGD for all its patients.  PGD is recommended to

• Women with recurrent miscarriage
• Chromosomal abnormality  in a previous pregnancy
• Multiple IVF failures
• Patients  who are carriers of a specific genetic condition (such as cystic fibrosis)
• Women over the age of 35

PGD Services

• Chromosomal aneuploidy (a variation in the number of chromosomes, ie an extra chromosome 21 in Down syndrome)
• Chromosomal rearrangements (inversions, translocations, deletions)
• Single gene disorders (ie cystic fibrosis, Huntington disease) Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis may not be available in all circumstances or for all genetic disorders.

"Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis may not be available in all circumstances or for all genetic disorders"
PGD allows us to know which embryos are free from chromosomal anomalies and genetic mutations. Its aims are to ensure healthy offspring and to stop the transmission of certain pathologies.

The first step involves an exhaustive study of each case by our geneticists and molecular biologists. Then a personalized diagnostic strategy for the future embryos is decided. The couple must undergo an  In Vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment. And microinjection (ICSI technique) is advised in order to fertilize the oocytes.At this point embryo biopsy takes place; however, if the eight cell stage or blastocyst stage. Biopsy is not recommended as it reduces the viability of the embryo. The use of a micro laser only one cell is extracted (a blastomere), so that the future embryo is not damaged and that the implantation rate is not reduced, having already been reduced during the biopsy. At this point embryo biopsy takes place; however, if the six-eight division has not been achieved, biopsy is not recommended as it reduces the viability of the embryo. Thanks to the experience of our team and the use of a micro laser only one cell is extracted (a blastomere), so that the future embryo is not damaged and that the implantation rate is not reduced, having already been reduced during the biopsy.

The extracted blastomeres are analyzed in the Molecular Biology laboratory and the biopsied embryos remain in culture until the genetic diagnosis has been achieved. The goal is to transfer healthy and evolved embryos that will produce a totally normal pregnancy.