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A very new and high technology for detection of abnormal embryo is now available at our center , called Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis ( PGD ).

Following ovarian stimulation , egg collection and fertilization, embryos are cultured for another 2 days which they usually consist of 6-8 cells. Each of these cells has complete genetic information and also each cell has the potential to continue growth to establish pregnancy. Therefore, one or two cells can be removed from an 8-cells embryo by using an embryo biopsy procedure and the embryo will continue to develop normally. The removed cells will then be analyzed by using a technique called Fluorescent in situ Hybridization ( FISH ) or Polymerase Chain Reachion ( PCR ). The FISH technique can tell us whether an embryo cell has two X chromosomes ( female ) or one X and one Y chromosome ( male ) and FISH can also be used to detect specific chromosome problems such as Down syndrome. FISH analysis can give us the results within one day and the resulting normal embryos will be transferred back into the uterus.

This technique is now suitable for specific couples such as advanced maternal age who have a very high risk to have a child with Down syndrome , carriers of genetic disease , recurrent abortion and couples who carry X-linked diseases. Haemophilia and Muscular dystrophy are examples of X-linked diseases.


In the future it is likely that genetic testing of embryos will be used more routinely to improve IVF success rates as well as to prevent transmission of genetic disease. With the transfer of genetically normal embryos, a higher percentage of implantation and reduced miscarriage rates can be expected.