What is PGD?

PGD is a technique that enables couples with a particular inherited condition in their family to avoid passing it on to their children. The process helps potential parents prevent the birth of a child with a serious genetic condition. PGD is used when one or both parents has a known genetic abnormality and diagnostic testing is performed on an embryo to determine if it has also inherited the abnormality.

PGD involves the use of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART). Eggs are obtained and fertilized through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). Once fertilized, the embryo develops for 2-3 days and then one or two cells are removed from each embryo. The genetic material (DNA or chromosomes) within each cell is then tested for the genetic or chromosomal abnormality. Up to two unaffected embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus to implant. If successful, the procedure will result in pregnancy and the child should not be affected by the condition for which it was tested.