Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis
Involves testing the early embryo after in vitro fertilisation.
Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis
Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) is a reproductive technology used to screen embryos for genetic disorders before implantation during in vitro fertilization (IVF). Here’s a breakdown of key aspects:
PGD helps identify genetic defects or chromosomal abnormalities in embryos created through IVF. This screening aims to select embryos free from specific genetic disorders for implantation, thereby reducing the risk of passing on inherited conditions to offspring.
PGD is a significant advancement in reproductive medicine, offering hope to prospective parents with a family history of genetic disorders. However, it also raises complex ethical and societal questions that continue to be debated.
PGD helps identify genetic defects or chromosomal abnormalities in embryos created through IVF. This screening aims to select embryos free from specific genetic disorders for implantation, thereby reducing the risk of passing on inherited conditions to offspring.
PGD is a significant advancement in reproductive medicine, offering hope to prospective parents with a family history of genetic disorders. However, it also raises complex ethical and societal questions that continue to be debated.
Purpose, Process & Indications :
PGD helps identify genetic defects or chromosomal abnormalities in embryos created through IVF. This screening aims to select embryos free from specific genetic disorders for implantation, thereby reducing the risk of passing on inherited conditions to offspring.
- Eggs are retrieved from the woman and fertilized with sperm in a laboratory setting.
- Embryos develop for a few days until they reach the blastocyst stage (around 5-7 days post-fertilization).
- One or more cells are removed from the embryo.
- The removed cells undergo genetic testing (e.g., for single gene disorders, chromosomal abnormalities) using techniques like PCR, FISH, CGH, or NGS.
- Embryos without the identified genetic disorders are selected for transfer to the uterus.
- Single gene defects like cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease.
- Aneuploidies such as Down syndrome.
- BRCA mutations, Lynch syndrome.
- In some cases, for medical reasons (like X-linked disorders).
