Our PGD center is conveniently located in Southern California and we treat patients from all over the World. PGD 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".

PGD 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.

PGD 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 available.

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:

1. PGD 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.
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.

PGD 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.

PGD Links

• Gender Selection
• PGD Detailed Description
• ICSI
• IVF Site
• PGD Center Locations
• Gender Selection Huntington Reproductive Main Fertility Site