When planning for a pregnancy, many prospective parents want to be as certain as possible that their child will be healthy. This is especially true for patients using assisted reproductive technology (ART) to achieve pregnancy. PGD and IVF can help intended parents choose an embryo of their desired sex that does not carry specific genetic abnormalities.

What is PGD (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis)?

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), also known as preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), is a type of IVF genetic testing. Patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) can use PGD to detect certain chromosomal abnormalities and diseases in their embryos. PGD testing can also be used for family balancing, as this technique allows for the sex of the embryos to be determined. 

What is PGD Used For?

Sex Selection through PGD

One of the benefits of preimplantation genetic diagnosis is the ability of parents to select their baby’s biological gender (sex).

This allows patients with sex-linked genetic disorders or those who are potential carriers to choose a baby of the sex that is less likely to be affected.

Sex selection also gives parents an advantage in family planning if they prefer to have a baby girl or baby boy.

Disease Screening through PGD

‍Screening for genetic diseases is the primary purpose of PGD. This process gives prospective parents security that their child will not have the genetic or chromosomal abnormalities evaluated for that result in certain disorders.

Genetic abnormalities can cause long-term health concerns. Extra or missing genetic material in an embryo can also result in a loss of pregnancy after implantation.

While this process will not catch all potential diseases, testing and diagnosis can detect a long list of conditions before implantation.

What common types of gene disorders can PGD Detect?

There are thousands of gene disorders that PGD can detect, however some common ones include:

• Cystic Fibrosis
• Tay-Sachs Disease
• Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)
• Hemophilia
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
• Thalassemia

If you are trying to detect genetic disorders and hereditary conditions, Contact our dedicated Los Angeles team online here or call our office for help 310-881-8846

How Does Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Work?

PGD is a common practice when undergoing IVF treatment. Here is what you and your partner can expect when undergoing the PGD test.

1. Embryo Culture and Biopsy
   During the embryo culture stage of an IVF procedure, the highest quality sperm are added to the retrieved eggs. The eggs are examined the next day to confirm fertilization and that embryos have started to develop.
   A precision biopsy will remove one or more cells (blastomeres) from the embryo for testing.
2. Genetic Testing and Diagnosis
   The biopsied cells are sent to a specialty lab to test the genetic code.
   If either of the parents has a genetic disease or a family history of such, we may be able to test for that specific condition. Some genetic diseases can be detected even if they are recessive, giving parents more information when implanting an embryo.
3. Embryo Transfer
   After the genetic evaluation of each embryo, the embryo(s) of the desired sex (if determined) that lack genetic abnormalities are transferred into the uterus to achieve pregnancy.

How Much Does PGT Cost in California?

The cost of PGD will vary depending on the number of embryos tested and the tests being performed. Some genetic tests are faster, simpler, and less expensive than others.

When you discuss which genetic conditions you want to test for, Dr. Saadat will be able to give you an accurate genetic testing cost. Our page on the cost of IVF can provide more information about cost factors.

Contact a Los Angeles PGD Specialist Today

If you are looking to detect genetic disorders and hereditary conditions through embryo testing, do not hesitate to contact our office. Our double-board certified doctor and office is ready to help you achieve the ultimate goal of a healthy and happy baby every step of the way.

Contact us online, or call us at 310-881-8846

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