• PGD is a simple test to help diagnose genetic disorders in embryos before they are transferred to a woman’s uterus. The test helps identify genetic abnormalities that may lead to intra-uterine fetal death or complications after a child’s birth.
• PGD testing is minimally invasive and is used to determine if a disease is present.

• To perform PGD testing, trained embryologist will remove one or more cells from the embryo using a high-powered microscope. These cells are then tested by embryology team for specific genetic traits of interest that is linked to genetic disorders.
• Embryos that are unaffected are identified, and then transferred into the uterus.

PGD testing makes it possible to decrease the risk of having a child who carries a genetic abnormality.

• Many couples choose PGD because of known genetic disorders in the family that could be passed along to their children.
• PGD is also an optional choice for couples who are experiencing repeat pregnancy loss (miscarriage) due to a known familial genetic disorders.
• For couples who already have one child with a genetic disorder and are at high risk of having another affected child.

Single gene analysis testing screens embryos for a number of inherited disorders including:

• Cystic Fibrosis, Fragile X, Myotonic Dystrophy, Thalasaemia, Tay Sachs, and others.
• Every couple may have a different reason for choosing to pursue PGD. Your doctor can work with you to determine which type of PGD analysis is most appropriate.

Yes; data from many years of PGD in animals and thousands of live births in humans indicate that PGD does not lead to increase in birth defects or chromosomal disorders.