Embryo Biopsy

Embryo Biopsy : Embryo biopsy or (PGD)preimplantation genetic diagnosis,diagnostic procedure, used in genetic screening,in which a single cell is removed from an embryo two or three days after it has been conceived through in vitro fertilization.

At this age the embryo consists of about eight genetically identical cells. The embryo itself is unaffected and continues to grow while the selected cell's genes are replicated using polymerase chain reaction and then studied for genetic defects. The procedure allows an embryo to be tested before it is implanted into the womb when an inheritable disease or a genetic predisposition to a disease is carried by or exhibited in one or both parents.

Embryo biopsy PGD is offered to couples that are at a high risk of producing offspring with genetic disorders and to those who wish to avoid the termination of an affected fetus following prenatal diagnosis. The procedure is offered to couples who have known genetic diseases detectable by DNA analysis.