Preimplantation genetic diagnosis is a specialised treatment for couples who carry an inherited genetic defect that could cause serious health risks for their children, such as cystic fibrosis, sickle cell disease or Huntington's disease.
PGD involves the use of Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART) such as IVF or ICSI (normally offered to patients with fertility problems) to stimulate the ovaries to produce multiple eggs. The aim is to obtain and fertilise a number of eggs. The resulting embryos are allowed to develop for three (or sometimes five) days, before a single cell is removed from each embryo and the genetic material (DNA and chromosomes) tested for the disorder.
Up to two unaffected embryos are then transferred into the uterus. If successful, the pregnancy should be unaffected.
The Assisted Conception works closely with the Genetics Department to offer this service. We are the largest and most successful unit in the UK for PGD. We have had over 100 babies born as a result of this treatment.
At present we quote a 20% chance of a live birth from each cycle of PGD. If we reach the stage of a couple getting through a cycle and having embryos suitable for transfer, the chance of a pregnancy is over 30%.
Detailed information can be obtained by emailing the PGD Coordinator on pgd@kcl.ac.uk|