Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD)

Also known as Preimplantation Genetic Screening, there are several methods for analyzing the chromosomal makeup of an embryo prior to transferring it to a woman's uterus during IVF treatment.  Until recently, a method known as Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH) was virtually the only way to screen embryos for Aneuploidy (too many or too few chromosomes) prior to transfer.  Because FISH only screens 8-12 pairs of an embryo's 23 pairs of chromosomes, it is far from 100% accurate.  A new method refined by Sher Institutes known as Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) checks all 23 pairs of chromosomes for a far more comprehensive analysis.  CGH is available at only a handful of clinics throughout the country, primarily SIRM offices.  Extensive information on this remarkable breakthrough is available by clicking here.