Couples that want the ability to detect any possible abnormalities or defects in an embryo now have an option. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis allows couples in New York, New York and around the country the ability to detect genetic defects. This procedure may be used after in vitro fertilization to detect any possible defects in an embryo created using the procedure. This technique is commonly used when at least one of the parents has a genetic abnormality that the couple knows about. This procedure is used to sort out any embryo that may contain a genetic abnormality, allowing the doctor to use only healthy embryos to help the couple get pregnant.
As the medical field continues its fast expansion and new innovations are introduced regularly, doctors are capable of detecting several genetic abnormalities using this procedure. Preimplantation genetic diagnosis, however, is unable to identify every genetic defect in an embryo prior to implantation. This procedure has been helpful in allowing many couples to avoid the dilemma of terminating a pregnancy if a genetic defect is detected in a prenatal diagnosis.
This procedure has been around since the 1980s and was intended to replace prenatal diagnosis so that couples may avoid having to decide whether or not to terminate a pregnancy in the event of an unfavorable diagnosis. With preimplantation genetic diagnosis, any embryos that may contain a genetic defect are not used, greatly reducing the chances that a genetic defect will be found in any prenatal diagnosis.
After in vitro fertilization or Intracytoplasmic sperm injection, a few cells are taken from the embryo that is created and tested for genetic abnormalities. After about five days, when the embryo has created about 100 cells, a new procedure called comparative genomic hybridization allows doctors to remove cells at this later stage, thus causing less damage than if the cells are removed after only three days. This also allows doctors to analyze more cells and get a better idea of any genetic abnormalities that may be present.
Patients in the New York area with concerns or questions about this should contact a medical professional at a fertility clinic in their area. Several techniques are used to analyze the cells that are removed for testing. In one technique called DNA Chip or Gene Chip, the DNA of the embryo is compared to more than 20,000 possible mutations. Haplotyping is another technique used that uses DNA fingerprinting to determine if chromosomes are carrying affected genes. Others are also used and patients should discuss all techniques that will be used so that they have a greater understanding of this procedure.
This procedure is intended for couples who risk passing along a genetic abnormality to their child. Couples who lost a pregnancy due to genetic defects, couples with difficulties with recent in vitro fertilization procedures and males with male factor infertility are prime candidates for this procedure. Couples should discuss their candidacy with a physician in the specialty to determine if this procedure may be helpful. Patients in the area should locate a clinic in New York, New York that offers this procedure using only highly efficient and proven equipment to ensure patient safety throughout the process. This procedure may not be for everybody and patients should discuss all aspects of the process with their partner and their doctor.
Learn more about detecting defects in New York, New York.
