Preimplantation
Diagnosis (PGD)
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is offered after IVF- ICSI, between oocyte retrieval and embryotransfer, and is a revolutionary method that allows genetic analysis to be performed, prior to embryo transfer, implantation and pregnancy, aiming towards the birth of healthy children.
In some special situations, PGD offers chromosomal screening prior to transfer and implantation to the endometrium. Such situations are as follows :
- History of a prior child with chromosomal abnormalities.
- History of recurrent misscarriages (more than 3 consecutive spontaneous abortions of less than 20 weeks gestation).
- Recurrent IVF failure attempts
- Carriers of X- linked disease.
The Gynecologic Center for Reproduction and Genetics is the first in Greece and one of the few in the world who perform PGD in IVF.Our phycisians and scientists combine the necessary expertise in assisted reproduction and molecular genetics to maintain an active and successful PGD program.
Preimplantation genetic diagnosis involves embryo biopsy, therefore, sensitive, accurate and safe technical methods are required.
Embryo biopsy can be done:
a. At the polar body stage
(first day after oocyte collection)
b. At the 6-8 cell embryo
stage (biopsy of one or two blastomeres three days after oocyte
collection)
c. At the blastocyst stage
(five to six days after oocyte collection)
Polar body or 6-8 cell embryo biopsy, being the safest
and providing the best results, is performed at our center.
Cell genetic analysis is performed using FISH
technique (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization ).
Chromosomes X, Y, 13, 16, 18, 21, 22
are examined by our specialists.
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