Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, also called PGD and PGS, is the technique through which embryos are genetically studied in order to select the healthy ones for their subsequent transfer.
It is an analysis system that allows the identification of chromosomal alterations and/or genetic mutations in embryos. This is why it is performed before the implantation of the embryos in the maternal uterus.
This diagnosis is especially useful in cases of families with carriers of hereditary genetic diseases. Also in cases of advanced maternal age. PGD identifies which embryos have inherited healthy genes and which have inherited mutated genes.
With Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis it is possible to analyze the genetic information of a cell of each embryo before transferring it. In this way we can avoid transferring embryos with any genetic mutation and we can also reduce the risk of miscarriage.
In conclusion, the first step is to perform an IVF treatment in order to generate the embryos. The second step is to biopsy the embryos through PGD. And finally, to choose the ideal embryos for transfer.
Frequently asked questions
- At what stage of embryo development is PGD performed? Ideally, it is done at day +5 of fertilization because in this way more cells can be biopsied. However, it can also be done on day +3.
- What mutations does PGD study? This technique studies chromosomal alterations, that is, aneuploidies in the embryos.
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