In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): Micromanipulation
PGD: Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis
What is PGD?
Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) uses embryo biopsy to evaluate the chromosomes of the embryos created through 
in vitro fertilization (IVF), and screens them for the most common abnormalities associated with infertility and miscarriage. Healthy, chromosomally normal embryos can then be distinguished from nonviable and diseased ones, and only those are used for transfer.
Traditionally, embryos conceived by IVF are only assessed microscopically to predict their viability; as suggested by their overall appearance. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) goes a step further, by actually screening the genetic information contained within the embryo prior to deciding which embryos to transfer. In other words, embryos free from disease or chromonal imbalances can be selected and preferentially transferred back to the patient.
A normal embryo must have 46 chromosomes in the right combination to enable normal viability - 23 from the mother and 23 from the father. If the early dividing cells do not divide equally and distribute these chromosomes equally and in the right way, then genetic imbalances result. This occurs more often in older women, and is the most significant reason why fertility declines with increasing age. This also explains why chromosomal and congenital anomalies also increase with increasing age of the female partner.
PGD Services at Carolina Conceptions
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis is a major advancement in the field of IVF, and Carolina Conceptions is excited to provide this service to our patients. We offer PGD for single gene defects, such as Cystic Fibrosis, where we test for a specific genetic mutation. We also offer Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS) for conditions such as Down Syndrome, where we test for an abnormal number of chromosomes (aneuploidy).
Through May 2010 we have performed 46 cases with an overall pregnancy rate of 50%. Pregnancy rates tend to be lower with PGD, but this also largely depends on the age of the female and indication for PGD.
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"Is embryo biopsy the correct choice for you?"