Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (pgd) is a state-of-the-art procedure used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization (IVF).  PGD invloves testing an embryo for chromosomal normality prior to being placed in the womb of the woman. The PGD team at the Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Science at Saint Barnabas (IRMS) is a world leader in both research and clinical application of this technique. 

Your physician may recommend PGD if there is a likelihood that your embryos will be affected by certain chromosomal conditions. These conditions can prevent implantation of embryos, lead to pregnancy loss (miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss) or result in the birth of a child with physical problems and/or mental retardation. PGD can help prevent these adverse outcomes by identifying affected embryos as they are developing in the laboratory and before they are transferred during IVF. At this time, IRMS offers PGD primarily for two specific chromosomal conditions - aneuploidy and translocations. It is important to note that some of our protocols are experimental and are supervised by the Internal Review Board of Saint Barnabas Medical Center.