Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis & Screening (PGD/PGS)

The New York Fertility Center

Reproductive Endocrinologists located in Downtown Flushing Queens, Flushing, NY & Flatiron in Manhattan, New York, NY

Couples who have a genetic condition, older mothers, and anyone who wants the best chance for a healthy baby can take advantage of genetic testing performed during in vitro fertilization. Dr. Tony Tsai at The New York Fertility Center has extensive experience performing PGD and PGS, two procedures that detect genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities in embryos before they’re transferred into the uterus. To learn more about PGD and PGS, call one of the offices in Manhattan or Flushing, New York, or use online booking to schedule a consultation.

Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis & Screening (PGD/PGS) Q & A

What are PGD and PGS?

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) are two types of genetic testing available for couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

PGD: Tests for single gene disorders that one or both parents are known to carry

PGS: Screens for chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down Syndrome

What are the benefits of PGD and PGS?

PGS detects congenital disabilities and chromosomal imbalances that contribute to the primary causes of unsuccessful IVF: implantation failure and spontaneous miscarriage. Another benefit gained from PGD and PGS is that it allows Dr. Tsai to transfer a single, healthy embryo to your uterus.

The practice guidelines for IVF recommend implanting more than one unscreened embryo. While this increases the success rate of IVF, it also raises your risk of carrying multiples. Your chance of effective IVF is the same when PGD and PGS screening identify one healthy embryo.

Who should consider PGD and PGS?

The risk of having a baby with a chromosomal imbalance increases with the mother’s age, so Dr. Tsai may recommend PGS for older women.

If you have recurrent miscarriages, you may also benefit from PGS. About half of all miscarriages are caused by chromosomal abnormalities, which can be identified with PGS.

You may want to consider PGD if you or your partner have a known genetic condition. A few examples of heritable disorders that commonly prompt PGD testing include:

Huntington’s disease: progressive deterioration of nerves in the brain
Cystic fibrosis: damages lungs and digestive system
Hemophilia: impaired blood clotting
BRCA syndrome: breast and ovarian cancers
Lynch syndrome: colon, ovary, uterine, stomach, skin, and other cancers
Duchenne muscular dystrophy: progressive muscle weakness
Marfan syndrome: affects the function of connective tissues
Tay-Sachs disease: destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord

How are PGD and PGS performed?

Dr. Tsai waits about five days after your eggs are successfully fertilized in the lab. By then, each embryo has about 100 cells, so your doctor can safely remove several cells.

These cells are tested for genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities. When the results of your genetic testing are ready, you and Dr. Tsai can make decisions about which embryo to transfer.

To learn more about PGD and PGS, call The New York Fertility Center or use online booking to schedule a consultation.

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