Preimplantation Genetic Testing

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) allows for the detection of life-altering genetic abnormalities prior to embryo transfer during IVF. The procedure can also help patients suffering from certain fertility challenges as well. The PGD procedure is an evaluation of chromosomes, thread-like structures found in all human cells except red blood cells. The PGD process starts after the embryo is fertilized and allowed to grow, when an embryo biopsy is performed. This procedure involves removing either a polar body, which is half of the maternal DNA, or a blastomere, which is a cell from the embryo that contains its DNA. Alan Martinez, MD, is here to help you better understand Preimplantation genetic testing to identify genetic defects in embryos created through in vitro fertilization (IVF) before pregnancy.