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Embryos : Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis?

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What PGD is: Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis is a procedure used before implantation to identify genetic defects within embryos. It is used to prevent certain genetic diseases or disorders from being passed on to the child by detecting irregularities in the number or structure of embryo chromosomes. The embryos used in the process are generally created through in vitro fertilisation and PGD is used with an IVF cycle to increase the potential for a successful pregnancy and delivery. PGD refers specifically to when one or both genetic parents have a known genetic abnormality. PGS refers to techniques where embryos from chromosomally normal genetic parents are screened for aneuploidy (Abnormal number of chromosomes in a cell.) PGD and PGS …show more content…

These cell’s genetic material which consists of DNA or chromosomes within these cells are then tested for genetic or chromosomal abnormality, the unaffected embryos are then transferred to the woman’s uterus to implant. The techniques used to test for these abnormalities include fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), single- nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the newer approaches such as Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and next generation sequencing (NGS) and PCR. These techniques are constantly evolving to be more accurate and more informative. These techniques are used to test for genes that may produce specific diseases but can only check for diseases which have a genetic component.
Why: The driving force behind the development of PGD was to determine the sex of the embryo, but the technology enabled doctors to determine possible genetic abnormalities, diseases and disorders. PGD is used mainly to treat parents that have genetic abnormalities, diseases and disorders or parents with higher risks of having these, but it is becoming commonly recommended for older women who due to their age are at a higher risk of giving birth to a baby with a genetic abnormality or disease. PGS sprung off the development of PGS and is now becoming commonly used by parents who would rather have their embryos tested for a genetic disease or disorder before implantation, as the other option of

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