What is involved in PGD?
To undergo PGD, embryos are created via In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). Eggs are collected from the woman’s ovaries in a procedure called an ‘egg collection’, and are fertilized with her partner’s sperm in the laboratory to form embryos. These embryos develop in the laboratory and are tested after 3 days, when they will usually have grown to approximately 6-8 cells.
Each embryo created, if suitably developed, is tested for the specific condition requested. This involves firstly, carefully removing one or two cells from the embryo using a fine glass needle. The biopsied cells are tested for the at-risk genetic condition using various specialised techniques. Embryos diagnosed as free of the condition, or with the “normal number of chromosomes, depending on the reason for the PGD testing, are selected for transfer back into the woman’s uterus.
Studies to date have shown that embryo biopsy is safe and has no known effect on the ability of embryos to continue normal growth and development. Importantly, there has been no increase in birth defects observed after PGD and PGD children show normal growth and development parameters at least up to 2 years of age.
What is the process for undergoing PGD at Melbourne IVF?
The following step by step guide provides an overview of what is involved in undergoing PGD at Melbourne IVF. This is a guide only and some steps may vary from the information provided to suit the needs of each individual.
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1. Appointment with Melbourne IVF Fertility Specialist
Patients interested in undergoing PGD will attend an appointment with a Melbourne IVF fertility specialist, to discuss the appropriate options.
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2. Appointment with Genetic Counsellor and/or Clinical Geneticist
Patients will attend an appointment with Melbourne IVF’s genetic counsellor and/or clinical geneticist. This is to ensure that the couple is fully informed about what PGD can offer them and to discuss any previous genetic testing results.
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3. PGD Test Development
Where a test needs to be developed to match or diagnose a particular condition (for example, translocation or single gene defect), it can take several months before treatment can begin. Where the necessary test is already developed, couples can begin treatment almost immediately.
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4. Appointment with Melbourne IVF PGD Nurse
Once treatment is ready to begin, an appointment is organised with the PGD nurse who will schedule your IVF cycle.
Read more about what is involved in an IVF treatment cycle.
The embryos are incubated in the laboratory for three days prior to testing.
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5. PGD Test is Performed - Embryo Biopsy
Embryos are tested on day 3 of their development when they have reached somewhere between 6 and 10 cells. One or two cells are then removed from each embryo and the specific test required is performed.
Depending on the condition being tested for, the test is either completed the same day, or will be completed in the next 1 - 2 days.
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6. Embryo Transfer
Embryos that are free of the condition being tested for can be transferred back to the patient. If there are excess embryos, they can be frozen and used in future thaw cycle(s).
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7. Pregnancy Blood Test
A pregnancy blood test will be organised for approximately two weeks after egg collection.
Should the pregnancy test be positive, the nurses will organise an appointment with your Fertility Specialist for an ultrasound scan at around 4 weeks after embryo tansfer.
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