Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGD/PGS)

Preimplantation Genetic Screening (PGS)
For those couples who are carriers of genetic disease, we can use preimplantation genetic screening (PGS), formerly called preimplantation genetic diagnosis, or PGD, to help Dr Douglas choose the embryo without an inheritable disease present for transfer back into the uterus.

PGS, a genetic test of the embryo performed at Presbyterian of Plano ARTs Department, is completed on day 3, before the embryos are selected for implantation. Using PGS, Dr. Douglas can identify the genetically normal embryos for transfer, making it more likely that IVF will result in a healthy child.

For couples who carry genetic disorders that they would likely pass on to their children, PGS has an almost incalculable value. At IVF Plano, we employ PGS to help couples avoid the difficult decision of knowingly passing an inheritable disease on to their children. By completing a PGS test, our couples can rest assured that their children will lead normal, healthy lives and not suffer the affects change to effects of a debilitating genetic conditions.

The PGS Process
With a PGS screening, the embryologist takes the fertilized embryos on day 3, the eight cell stage, from the incubator and carefully removes a single cell from each embryo for testing.

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This cell is then sent to an offsite lab, which will test the genetic material from each individual embryo for chromosomal abnormalities and genetic diseases such as Down’s syndrome, Tay-sachs, and muscular dystrophy. The embryo, now seven cells, is returned to the incubator to await the results of the biopsy. Removing one cell from the embryo on day 3 does not affect growth and development of a healthy baby.

Once we receive the PGS results on day 5, Dr Douglas can review which embryos do not carry any inheritable genetic disease and will recommend these for transfer.