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Huntington's Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Center
Screening Genetic Abnormalities and Sex Selection
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Our preimplantation genetic diagnosis center is conveniently located in Southern California and we treat patients from all over the World. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis,
is a wonderful option for couples at risk of transmitting
a genetic disease to their children. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis allows
the physician and embryologist to determine if an embryo
carries a specific disease, identifiable by PGD, based on its genetic composition.
HRC was one of the first preimplantation genetic diagnosis centers, in January 2003, to purchase a highly specialized
laser for use when performing PGD. This laser affords
the embryos less exposure to handling and "outside conditions".
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis requires manual skills as well as extensive clinical experience. The greatest advantage
to the laser is the precision, control and accuracy
provided during the biopsy stage. Embryos
are created using IVF and a sample of DNA is taken from a cell in the embryo for testing. If the genetic disorder is present, the
embryo will not be transferred to the mother's uterus. In addition to highly trained and experienced embryologists, our preimplantation genetic diagnosis center houses the latest advanced instrumentation.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis for gender selection is also used to
help couples who wish to have a child of a particular
sex. Many couples want to experience the joy of raising
a boy and a girl and preimplantation genetic diagnosis is the most effective effective means
of gender
selection.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is used to screen for many genetic abnormalities including Down Syndrome, Trisomy 21, Tay Sachs
Disease, hemophilia A and B, Gaucher's Disease, Sickle
Cell Anemia, and others.
Since February 2002 Huntington Reproductive Center has
conducted over 399 PGD cases with a 45% pregnancy rate.
HRC is a pioneer preimplantation genetic diagnosis center in Southern California offering comprehensive treatment options to interested
couples.
There are various types
of procedures available at our PGD clinic depending on the needs of the individual
couple:
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis
is used for gender selection when couples seek family
balancing options. The embryos are biopsied and it
is determined if they are XX female or XY male. If
the couple desires a boy, only the XY embryos will
be transferred to the mother. Some genetic diseases
are also sex linked meaning they only occur in a particular
gender. For example, hemophilia A and B are generally
X linked recessive and occurs in males. If the mother
has the gene for hemophilia, only female embryos or
embryos free of hemophilia will be transferred to
the uterus.
- Preimplantation genetic diagnosis
is used to diagnosis genetic chromosomal abnormalities due to advancing maternal age. These disorders are
more likely to occur in women 35 years of age and
older and lead to problems such as Down Syndrome or
early miscarriage. The chance of these chromosomal
problems increases with maternal age, regardless of
family history. Testing performed on a woman's embryos
for the most common chromosomal problems enables the
physician and couple to determine which embryos will
most likely to result in a healthy, ongoing pregnancy.
Additionally, for couples who have failed IVF cycles for unexplained reasons, Preimplantation genetic diagnosis may provide important
information in the determination of the cause(s) of
the failures.
- A third type of PGD is offered
to couples at known risk for genetic disorders such
as Tay Sachs disease or cystic fibrosis. These couples
are most likely aware of a family history of such
genetic disorders, or are known to be at risk based
on carrier testing.
- A fourth type of PGD is offered
to couples in which one of the members has a rearrangement
of their chromosomes, known as a balanced translocation.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Results
Our PGD center produces the results of many genetic tests within 48 hours after
blastomere biopsy which corresponds to Day 5 following
egg retrieval. Depending on their original quality,
embryos may or may not reach the blastocyst stage which
is the final stage of in
vitro development. Usually on Day 5, according to
the results of the specific genetic test, only embryos
free of tested genetic defects will be transferred to
the patient.
HRC remains committed to keeping
pace with the rapid advances in the fields of genetics
and human reproduction and making them available to
couples as soon as is practically possible. HRC also
continues to work on and refine the philosophical basis
for a complex system of medical ethics in order to apply these incredible
advances in reproductive medicine to their fullest and
best use for patients.
Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis Links
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